The Coronavirus epidemic has been very devastating and scary for many. Many countries around the world have shut down as everyone is encouraged to stay home unless they go out to buy necessities such as groceries. Those will always remain open and when you go grocery shopping, you will be encouraged to wear masks, gloves, and to stay 6 feet away from others as well.
Even if you are very careful, there are still 12 ways that COVID-19 can sneak into your home. Let’s talk about those now.
#12 – Packages And Mail
Even though the virus does not stay on the packaging for more than a day, you can still bring it in if someone who is infected has delivered your mail or package. Therefore, why not keep it in the garage for a day and allow it to die. When you take the mail or packages inside, you must wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
#11 – Through Your Door
Even though people have been maintaining the 6-foot rule of staying away from you but if the doorbell rings by say, a food delivery driver and leaves the meal in a bag on your doorstep, it is easy for the virus to be transported into your home. The best thing to do is to not touch the doorbell or the area around it. When you grab the package, keep it on the floor while removing the contents. Then wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
#10 – Used Gloves
Many people tend to take their used gloves into their homes and toss them in their own trashcans. You don’t want to do that. You want to toss your gloves in a public garbage can and then wipe your hands with disinfectant wipes on the way home. Then wash your hands right away when you walk in. Therefore, never bring your used gloves home.
#9 – Your Used Mask
If you are wearing a cloth mask, you will stay protected as long as you use it carefully and correctly. And you will also do your part in stopping the spread. As soon as you walk into the home, be sure to throw your cloth mask into the washing machine in hot water. Therefore, if you must leave the house several times a week or if you are an essential worker, you need plenty of cloth masks on hand.
#8 – Your Pet
Your pet will not catch the virus. However, if your hands are infected and you touch your pet, then others in your home will end up with the virus after they touch the beloved dog or cat. If you want to give your dog a cuddle, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
#7 – The ATM
People don’t realize that using the ATM is a sure way to transfer the virus to your hands. This is why it is important to wear gloves when you are out. When you take them off in your car and dispose of them, be sure to have disinfectant wipes to wipe your hands. Then when you get home, wash your hands thoroughly.
#6 – Your Fingernails
Are you a nail biter? Or did you have finger food and you did not wash your hands after? If you are an asymptomatic carrier, then you licking your fingers or biting your nails is a sure way to pass the virus around as you touch things. If you must do those things, be sure to wash your hands right after.
#5 – Your Shoes
Your shoes are most definitely contaminated as you will be walking into supermarkets that likely has the virus on the floor. As soon as you get home spray your shoes with Lysol or any other disinfectant spray and leave your shoes on the mat by your door. Don’t wear your shoes inside your home.
#4 – The Gas Pump
You don’t know who is using the gas pump. It could be someone who has the infection and that means you will end up with the infection as well if you are not protecting yourself while you use the gas pump. Wear gloves when you use it, and then rinse and repeat the tip from the previous point to keep your home safe.
#3 – Your Kids
Your kids will likely be carriers and asymptomatic. They will not realize the importance of hygiene and there is a good chance they can bring it in even if they stay within the premises by touching poles or fences even when they are in their own backyards. They need to realize how important it is for them to keep their hands extremely clean during the pandemic.
#2 – Your Towels
That towel that you are using to dry your hands likely has those germs on it and the virus itself. This is why it is highly important to wash your towels often so you can lower the risk. Better yet, use paper towels that you can throw out after use.
#1 – Your Clothing
The clothes that you wear once you are out and about can easily pick up the virus as its spikes attach itself onto clothing. You will want to wash your clothes often and even though it is not realistic to wash your clothes daily, keep them off of furniture after you take them off.
And remember the best thing to do always is to wash your hands for 20 seconds thoroughly with soap and water. Stay safe.
