COVID-19 Pandemic Prevention Protocol: Perspectives and Approaches

The Coronavirus, otherwise known as Covid-19, is a recent disease that has plagued many nations and has had high infection and death ratios, and is seemingly unstoppable. It is integral that when dealing with this disease we practice extreme hygienic protocols to limit spread and infection from one person to another. It is when we stop the main spread of the coronavirus that we can truly start to recover from its effects.

When dealing with Covid-19, we must consider both ourselves and everyone around us, for proper preventive methods to take place. One way is to wear a mask to protect both ourselves and others from the spread of Covid-19. Another can involve what is called “social distancing”, which has each person be at least 6 feet (2 arm lengths) away from each other, for all except those who do not live with oneself [1]. Finally, it is most important for everyone to avoid crowds, or large groups in one area; as the more people we encounter, the higher likelihood that we contract COVID-19.

Most seem to believe that a mask is only for preventing the spreading of the disease to the person wearing it, when the person wearing the mask is mainly to stop the disease from spreading others. Even if the wearer of the mask does not “feel” sick, but still has Covid-19, the mask will be useless in terms of preventing the spread to everyone and anyone near the infected. When it comes to wearing a mask, certain rules must apply, as for example, mask should be worn in public and open settings, especially when social distancing cannot be put in place. Additionally, masks should not be worn on children younger than 2 years old, those with respiratory issues, the unconscious, or those who cannot remove the mask by themselves [2]. It also may be enticing to use the masks used for those in healthcare, but those should only be used by those in the field. They are necessities for healthcare workers and first responders. After all these points, it is important to consider that the mask is not a replacement for social distancing and should not be treated as such.

The “Six Feet” rule, otherwise known as Social distancing, is a very important factor in the act of pandemic prevention and is usually neglected to be treated as such. It can be even inside one’s home that they neglect to maintain at least 6 feet from their household members, when this can endanger themselves and their family [3]. This holds especially true outside the home, in which everyone can be a source of contagion, and should be extremely important to socially distance from those at a higher risk of catching the disease [4]. Furthermore, it is very important to avoid crowds, especially in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters, that can put you at a higher chance of getting Covid-19. It is particularly crucial to apply this idea in areas with poor ventilation, indoor spaces that offer only a limited amount of fresh air and crowded and small places [5].

Moreover, as important as it may be to maintain others safety, we should not forget to keep our own as well. This involves keeping very pristine personal hygiene, which includes the washing of hands. Hands should be washed often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after certain actions which include: spending a frequent amount of time in a public area, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, handling your mask, changing a diaper, caring for someone sick, before eating or preparing food, touching your face, and after touching animals or pets. If soap and water are not currently accessible, using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is preferable. Also, if hands are unwashed however, it is crucial to remember to avoid touch any part of your face, including your eyes, nose, and mouth. Likewise, one should cover their own coughs and sneezing, all the while disposing of any tissues used after.So, it is important to keep a consistent and tidy personal hygiene to further decrease any possibilities of contracting the coronavirus [5].

Another aspect of potentially preventing any opportunities of getting sick with coronavirus involves keeping one’s environment clean and germ free. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily such as: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phone, keyboards, toilets, water faucets, and sinks. To clean these surfaces, they must be first cleaned with detergent and soap, and then a household disinfectant must be used to complete the cleaning. In keeping both ourselves and our environments clean, we can make sure that there is an overall lower risk of Covid-19 occurring overall [6].

Even with all these prevention techniques, it still is not a finite guarantee thatonewill not get the virus or get sick at all. Therefore, it is important that one monitor their health daily, and watch for any symptoms, be that a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or any other symptoms of Covid-19 [7]. This is especially important if one has recently been in a compact or highly populated area and was not able to keep 6 feet away from others. If symptoms appear to be developing, measuring the temperature using an accurate and functioning thermometer is critical. If symptomsfurther develop, seeking out medical guidance and following CDC guidelines is the next step [8].

In conclusion, both in these times of national pandemic and the near future it is important that each person perform his/her role in limiting the spread of any virus or disease. This can be accomplished through several procedures, but the main ones require masking up, social distancing, personal hygiene, a clean environment, and a daily monitoring of one’s symptoms or health. With this approach, not only can disease be prevented from being able to be spread, but the possibility of a pandemic or plague will be held from ever occurring [9].