The weight of the uncertainty that’s consuming us, at a time when we’re faced with a pandemic, is not abnormal. If anything, it’s the most normal thing to experience right now. Especially now, when the number of the daily infected is constantly on the rise, during which we’re preparing to go back to our regular lives. Yes, in the famous words of Justin Trudeau, this is our new normal -- but bear in mind, this new normal doesn’t equate to a nonexistence of Covid-19, but to a method of doing our part while the entire world fights together to bring an end to the pandemic.
So, while you go back to work tomorrow, here are a few things you can do that yours truly has been practicing quite strictly, with quite satisfactory results so far:
● Separate easily washable clothes from your closet and wear them to work or wherever you’re required to go. While they might be limited in number it, they help you in cleaning an essential item with a lot of ease. For women, for those who are comfortable, one suggestion would be to pick single pieces, aka kurtis, keeping the number of clothes on you at a minimum.
● Wear shoes that are easy to clean. You can use a mix of water and Savlon and spray it on and under the shoe to disinfect the pair. I have even opted to wear just one specific pair whenever I was required to go out during the pandemic.
● Get yourself a spray bottle and pour some Hexisol or any other disinfectant mix. They are extremely handy and incredibly useful when you’ll be required to go to the bathroom, especially at a workplace. Spray bottles are available at a number of stores, including Miniso.
● Be sure to use bags that are easy to clean. Laptop bags are a great example of that. Laptop bags can be cleaned with disinfectant sprays unlike jute, cloth or leather bags.
● Make washing your hands at frequent intervals a habit. If needed, add a reminder on your phone. It's not lame, it's necessary.
● If possible, carry an extra mask in your bag so that, in case something happens to the one you're using, you have a backup. We all know how essential masks have become during this time.
● While a lot of us wish to dress up after all this time, it’s best to avoid jewelry and watches during this time, as these surfaces can help the virus stay.
● Carry as little as possible. Be sure to not carry any extra files or boxes, unless absolutely necessary.
● Practice as much cashless transaction as possible. If needed, keep a little note in your wallet to remind you to sanitize your hands after you've touched paper money.
● While you’re definitely cleaning your phones and laptops, don’t forget to clean your earphones and charging cables in the same way, too. Be sure to not leave your keys or your wallet out, either!
● If you have to open doors or touch such surfaces, try using your elbow as opposed to your palms.
● Once you’re back home, isolate to the best of your ability. It’s important to remember that this is not just about you, it's also about those around you. So, be sure to practice social distancing from your family members and avoid physically interacting with them as much as possible. If possible, stay in your room and use your own space to the best of your ability. Wash your hands whenever you're about to touch things others in your home touch as well. You have to do what you can to limit your interaction with them.
● As suggested by many, including a friend who’s a doctor, gurgle with lukewarm water with salt and lemon twice a day. You can also practice breathing in vapor.
● If you're using one time masks and gloves, make sure you cut them in half before you throw them away.
● Avoid going to restaurants and gatherings to begin with, but if you have to go even for a takeaway, ensure distancing. Tell the authorities, if you see them not doing enough to ensure public safety.
● Last but certainly not the least, please, don't hurt people or cause them distress unnecessarily. This is a tough time for everyone. Pay the fare, donate where you can, lend a helping hand. Be a little patient and a little nicer.
There’s no way of knowing who’ll be safe in this pandemic, but that never means we should not do the very least to protect the ones we love. Regardless of the situation, your actions can go a long way, so make sure you set a good example. Because, you see, as difficult as this time is, it’s one of the very rare times when even a small change in your life can help build the chain of thousands around you. And what greater privilege could there be than helping others be safe, just by being careful yourself?