COVID Safety: Going Forward

COVID Safety: Going Forward

I am writing this on February 28^th; as of tomorrow, March 1^st, Ontario’s vaccine passport will no longer be required by the province. This is a freedom that many people have been waiting for; however, this is not the end. There are some important things that people need to remember, not just in Ontario, but everywhere.

Health in General

• Don’t ignore your overall health; good health is important for prevention
• Don’t put necessary appointments off; schedule them in advance or ask whether a phone or video consultation is possible.
• If you must physically go to an appointment, maintain social distancing in the waiting room, and avoid crowded areas.

Good Hygiene

• Clean your hands regularly; use either an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water
• If you cough, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue; afterward, throw the tissue out and remember to sanitize
• Clean and disinfect surfaces often, especially high-use ones
• Wear your mask properly; make sure it covers your nose, mouth, and chin
• Clean your hands whenever you handle your mask
• Store your mask cleanly; throw disposable ones away after use and wash fabric masks daily
• Use three-layer medical masks when possible

Make Your Environment Safer

• A lot of this depends on what environments you place/find yourself in during your daily activities. Control where you go; avoid spaces that are closed in or crowded.
• Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones
• If you’re in an indoor space, open a window to increase natural ventilation
• Always remember to wear a mask
• When shopping for things like groceries, go outside peak hours to avoid the crowds
• Before you go out, always check local regulations
• Wherever you go, bring sanitizer, and wear your mask; if you’re high risk, make sure it’s a medical mask
• When you’re out shopping, keep shopping time short; make a list if you can
• Whenever you’re out, keep at least a meter from others
• Remember to wear your mask to things like sporting events

COVID in your household

• Keep your health contacts handy- contact info for doctors, health facilities, health centres/hotlines, and emergency numbers.
• Make sure you have contact info for your support network- family, friends, neighbors, school, and work. You may need their help with essentials.
• Stock up on supplies like medications, masks, cleaners, and disinfectants
• Prepare an isolated or separate space for anyone in the household who feels unwell, so they can keep their distance from others. Keep this room well-ventilated, opening windows frequently.
• If anyone gets sick, monitor their symptoms regularly; pay special attention if a person is a high risk. Ensure that they stay rested and hydrated.
• Overall, reduce contact with the virus; identify one individual to be a contact person, wear a mask if you’re in the same room as a sick person, keep utensils separate, and clean surfaces frequently.