COVID-19 is now a global public health problem. Data shows more
than 7,000,000 cases and 400,000 deaths to date (09 June 2020). In Nepal, we
are in a lockdown situation. More than 4,000 cases have been found, and that
number is still increasing. Change starts from within, and it?s very important
for all of us to be aware and spread that awareness regarding the COVID-19
pandemic. Establishing strong post-pandemic precautions will be more
challenging than the measures we have set and are following right now, such as the
home quarantine and maintaining social distancing.
In the current scenario, most of us are safe and sound in our
respective homes in quarantine, but whenever this lockdown ends and we have to leave
our homes for work or daily necessities, how do we stay safe? How will we
operate in public spaces? Can we emerge out of this pandemic and return to
normal life? This is unlikely because the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely
taught us many valuable lessons, changed our thoughts and perceptions, and
provided us with a new way of analyzing the world around us. Our society after the COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately
be more sensible and aware.
Because of this shift in perspective and lifestyle, there will be
many precautions and minute details to consider when developing post-pandemic
measures. In recent times, most of us likely spend 8 hours per day working in a
corporate scenario, and those who run their own businesses, shops, and restaurants
dedicate almost 10 to 12 hours per day, non-stop, to their work. As a society,
we are used to traveling to and from these jobs and other destinations, but how
will that transportation look post-COVID-19? It will definitely be different
for the next year, as we all cope with and adjust to the post-pandemic
scenario. Therefore, to prevent
the spread of COVID-19 and to prepare ourselves for a return to some usual
activities, we must keep these following post-pandemic measures in mind:
Do?s
1.
First, we must develop a habit of washing
hands immediately after any exposure, whether that be in a public space or with
another person, for which alcohol-based sanitizer or soaps should be used.
2.
Wearing a mask while stepping out of the
house must be mandatory.
3.
Gloves are the best option if we have to
touch or clean something that may have germs on it.
4.
Maintaining social distancing, of at
least two meters, while working, or meeting and greeting with people is a must.
5.
Carrying our own water bottles for safety
purposes is a must.
6.
Regularly cleaning our belongings in the office
or at home after use can help reduce our contact with germs.
7.
Maintain a safe distance from anyone who
is coughing or sneezing around us.
8.
Cover your nose and mouth with a bent
elbow or a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing.
9.
When opening and closing doors in public
places or at home, we can use our elbows, rather than our hands, or wear gloves
to avoid exposure.
Don?ts
1.
Avoid handshaking, and instead, make a
habit of doing Namaste!
2.
Avoid using communal items, like hand
towels, to dry our hands in the office or in public places.
3.
Avoid using our hands while eating,
and instead, use a spoon or fork.
4.
Avoid close contact with anybody we
meet.