Going outside? Oops, wait!
Things have really shifted ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, and all are forced to live under the “new normal”. Everyone is faced to take extra precaution when going outside.
Before leaving the house, what things do you do or prepare to bring with you? Check out the checklist we have prepared for you.
To intensify the prevention of local transmission of the virus, the Department of Health in support of the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) and in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) implemented the “BIDA+ Solusyon sa COVID-19”. This campaign expresses the proposed behaviors of every Filipino against the COntraVIDa, COVID-19.
B – awal ang walang mask
I – sanitize ang kamay at iwasan ang kulob na lugar
D – umistansiya ng isang metro at limitahan ang pisikal na interaksyon sa iba
A – lamin ang tamang impormasyon
+ – Suportahan ang FDA approved na bakuna
In addition, here are some actions that you can observe to stay safe when going outdoors:
- Avoid going to crowded places during rush hours; either early morning or late night.
- Always bring with you an alcohol or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, tissue or wet wipes, additional cloth or surgical masks and a resealable pouch to place your mask when active eating or drinking.
- Check if all family members have no existing signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
- Follow safety protocols implemented by the facility such as properly wearing of face mask and face shield (if needed) when speaking to a non-family member, maintain at least one meter of social distancing, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and regularly sanitize your hands.
- Eat out with your home-prepared meals accompanied with your own utensils; taking-out may be an option too.
- When dining in, it is preferable to stay in an open area.
- Lessen visit at shopping centers or grocery stores. Better to order online with options of either home delivery or pick-up.
- When doing groceries, bring your own grocery bag to ensure that bag was properly cleaned before use.
- Pay attention and follow social distancing floor markings.
- Disinfect grocery carts before handling.
- When going to gyms or fitness centers, select the facility with proper ventilation such as those with open doors and windows.
- If available, book an appointment in advance upon planning of staycation.
- Practice cashless mode of payments to lessen contact.
- Wash your hands with the use of soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after eating, handling of any surfaces or objects and immediately upon arrival at home.
Always be updated with the level of COVID-19 local transmission in your respective communities. It is best to keep in mind that the number of COVID-19 cases is continuously increasing in the Philippines. This is to remind everyone that if it is not necessary to go out, stay indoors. Be extra careful if you have family members who are vulnerable of having the disease specifically the elderly and family members with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and obesity.
Though your probability of catching COVID-19 is slighter when staying outdoors due to ventilation flow and open areas, precautionary measures mentioned in BIDA+ Solusyon sa COVID-19 should be observed at all times of every individual. Have fun staying outdoors while protecting the health of your family. Together, let us beat COVID-19! (NKSLoyola)
Sources:
https://doh.gov.ph/bidasolusyon
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/deciding-to-go-out.html
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/staying-safe-outside-during-covid-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html
