Hey there! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant updates on safety measures and social restrictions due to COVID-19, you’re certainly not alone. It’s confusing to navigate what’s safe, especially when you’re trying to protect yourself and your loved ones. While some people are comfortable venturing out for groceries, others prefer to stay home and rely on deliveries.
When it comes to safeguarding your home from the threat of COVID-19, there are numerous strategies to consider. Should you sanitize your groceries? What surfaces need regular cleaning? Can pets transmit the virus? Can Grandma visit? The questions are endless, and it can be daunting. After researching expert recommendations, here’s a guide to making your home a safer space against COVID-19.
1. Gather Essential Supplies
Stock up on necessary items like disinfectants—sprays or wipes will do. Ensure you have laundry detergent, trash bags, essential medications (preferably delivered), and non-perishable foods such as canned and frozen fruits, vegetables, and dry goods like pasta and nut butters.
2. Establish Household Guidelines
Is everyone in your household, including your headstrong teens and visiting in-laws, aligned on your “No Guests” rule? It’s crucial to communicate the importance of maintaining a six-foot distance in public and practicing frequent hand-washing. If you’re unsure, go over this again. The CDC also suggests compiling a list of local resources—like health services and food delivery options—and an emergency contact list for quick access.
3. Appoint a Designated Errand Runner
We all need essentials like food and toiletries, so designate one person as the family’s “runner” for errands. This minimizes exposure to the outside. The chosen runner should wear gloves and a mask, frequently wash their hands, and wipe down shopping cart handles. Upon returning home, they must wash their hands for at least 20 seconds before touching anything else.
4. Disinfect Grocery Items
Set up a “disinfecting station” away from your kitchen to clean your grocery items. Wipe down all packaging with disinfectant before bringing it inside, and discard unnecessary packaging immediately. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly—hard-skinned items can be washed with warm, soapy water, while softer produce can be rinsed with a water/vinegar solution. Remember to wash your hands before and after.
5. Prioritize Cleaning
Regularly clean high-touch surfaces—think doorknobs, light switches, and devices. Use strong cleaners or soap and water to disinfect these areas. Wash linens and towels often in hot water, and don’t forget to clean your laundry bins too.
6. Handle Deliveries with Care
With delivery services in high demand, take precautions. Always wash your hands after handling mail or packages. Disinfect what you can, and throw away unneeded packaging. Request that delivery personnel leave packages at your door to maintain distance. If tipping, consider doing so online or leaving it in a designated area to avoid close contact.
7. Avoid In-Person Gatherings
This cannot be stressed enough: do not invite anyone over—no family, friends, or neighbors. Even the healthiest-looking individuals could unknowingly carry the virus. Interaction increases the risk of transmission, so maintain social distancing through virtual communication instead.
8. Pet Precautions
Your pets can remain part of the family, but they too should stay home. Supervise them outside and avoid contact with other animals or people. This is not the time for your pet to roam freely in the neighborhood.
9. If Someone in Your Home Shows Symptoms
First, consult a healthcare professional. Isolate the sick individual in a separate room if possible and utilize a different bathroom. Clean frequently touched surfaces multiple times a day, and designate a trash bin specifically for the sick person’s waste. Ensure they wear a mask if available, and avoid sharing personal items.
Ultimately, do your best to implement these guidelines. Information about COVID-19 continues to evolve, so stay updated with resources from trusted organizations such as the CDC and WHO. For further insights, check out this informative post that delves deeper into creating a safe home environment.
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Stay safe, keep cleaning, and adapt to this new reality.
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