Well, if you've been keeping up with the news, you've probably noticed that COVID-19 is back in the headlines again. It feels like we're walking through the same door for the umpteenth time, doesn't it? Honestly, it can be pretty exhausting. But here's the thing—it's really up to us to make this the last chapter of this saga. With the resurgence of COVID-19, it's time to gather our essential supplies, or as I like to call them, the new normals.
1. Always Wear Your Mask
Think of your mask as your new best friend, regardless of where you're going. The importance of wearing a mask cannot be overstated; studies have shown that proper mask usage significantly reduces the transmission of COVID-19. For instance, a study conducted in Johnson County, Iowa, revealed that individuals exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 did not need to quarantine if both parties were wearing masks at the time of exposure, highlighting the protective benefits of masks in preventing secondary infections [1]. So let's avoid using our bags or pockets as makeshift storage for them. Practice wearing it correctly and make it a habit.
2. Try New Ways to Greet
Finally meeting a friend after ages? It's natural to want to hug, but COVID-19 isn't a fan of that. Instead, let's get creative with our greetings—maybe try a friendly wave, an elbow bump, or even a polite bow instead of a hug for now. This is especially relevant as social distancing remains a crucial strategy in controlling the spread of the virus [2]. Who knows, these new traditions might stick around!
Fig 1: Traditional and safer alternatives for greetings
3. Home Is Your Safe Haven
How many times have we posted “Home is where the heart is” on social media? During tough times, we often feel nostalgic about home. Now's a good time to embrace that sentiment. With previous lockdowns, we learned how to make the most of our homes, so let's try to stay safe and cozy there as much as possible. The concept of home as a safe haven has been emphasized in various studies, reinforcing the idea that minimizing exposure by staying home can significantly lower the risk of contracting the virus.
4. Wash and Sanitize Regularly
After a long day, the temptation to jump straight into bed is real. But for the sake of our health and those we care about, we really need to wash up as soon as we get home. Regular hand hygiene, including washing and sanitizing, is a foundational strategy in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission [2]. Keep washing and sanitizing to be a proactive part of the solution, not just a carrier of the virus. You might be thinking, “We already know all this stuff!” But sometimes, a little reminder is exactly what we need to stay vigilant and tackle this new strain of COVID-19 together as a united front.
References:
- Jacob Riley, Jamie M Huntley, Jennifer A Miller, Amelia L B Slaichert, Grant D Brown. Mask Effectiveness for Preventing Secondary Cases of COVID-19, Johnson County, Iowa, USA.. PubMed. 2022.
- S V Aswathy Raj, Tom Wilson, Nasma Mankara Thodi, K Muhammed Suhail. Quarantine and COVID-19 pandemic: Multidimensional perception of people in quarantine in North Kerala.. PubMed. 2022.
- Min Li, Feifei Wang, Meng Tao, Yue Zhang, Ruoxin Pan, Duoduo Gu, Hui Zhong, Yang Xu. N95 respirators alter facial skin physiological functions and lipidome composition in health care personnel.. PubMed. 2024.
- Shan-Ho Chan, Ya-Yu Huang, Shu-Huei Tsai, Jui-Chu Wang, Yi-Ren Chen, Chen-Lin Kang. Evaluation of the Position Error of Wearing Surgical Masks During Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.. PubMed. 2022.
- Anna Garus-Pakowska, Maciej Pakowski. The obligation to use face masks in public spaces as a public health measure and permissible limits on civil liberties.. PubMed. 2023.