URGENT: Tips And Steps To Guide You Into Safety Against COVID-19

|SHIFTMEDIA| The coronavirus pandemic has put the world on high alert and is forcing drastic lifestyle changes in the process.

The changes are part of measures advised by governments and the World Health Organisation to minimize the spread of the virus that has so far claimed more than 9,800 lives globally with more than 232,650 cases in 158 countries and territories.

So far Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, and DRC have already confirmed cases of the COVID-19

Please follow these tips to ensure safety:

1. How you greet people

With the number of fresh infections rising by the day, people are being encouraged to refrain from handshakes as they are agents of transferring the disease.

It is important that you start getting used to not offering your hand in greeting to family, friends, and acquaintances.

Alternatives for handshakes that are coming up include elbow bumps, the Namaste greeting — where you put your hands together as if in prayer to acknowledge the other person — and simply waving at people.

In some countries across the world, governments have discouraged commonplace greetings such as a kiss on the cheek (France) and pressing the nose (New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates).

2. Social interactions

Ugandans love socialising, whether at restaurants, night clubs, churches, mosques, weddings, funerals and even on the street. These social interaction spots have all been outlawed by the President during his speech on COVID-19 on Wednesday.

However, it is time to reduce your regular social outings to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The government has already suspended classes in schools, colleges, and universities, so you can’t socialize there.

However, the government cannot control whether you go to the nightclub or even gather with friends and family at each other’s homes.

3. Paying with cash

Uganda has Mobile Money services, such as MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Mobile Money, as well as Mango (UTL) and Africel, but despite these services, the majority of Ugandans still prefer to use cash.

This, however, may have to change as physical money can be vehicles for transferring the virus between people.

The government has already encouraged people to use cashless modes of payment such as Mobile Money and online banking as alternatives.

Mobile money service providers, including MTN, have already waived transaction fees for cash transfers below Ugx20,000.

To achieve this, sectors such as public transportation will have to provide ways through which their customers can pay without cash.

The same applies to retailers such as the neighborhood shops and supermarkets.

4. Going to the office

In Uganda, the government has not yet stopped civil servants from working. The vendors in the markets have been encouraged to continue working but in accordance with the set guidelines by the Ministry of Health.

For those whose physical presence is not required at the office, working from home is the best thing to do as it will reduce the number of people you interact with.

While at home, you can still accomplish tasks through virtual meetings on platforms such as Skype and WhatsApp.

You can also stay in touch with colleagues, supervisors, and bosses through email, video call, and text.

Similarly, you can catch up with your friends while at home on social platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter, and Gmail.

5. So-so hygiene practices

With the imminent outbreak of the virus, it is now more important than ever that you step up your hygiene standards.

Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use of alcohol-based sanitisers when water isn’t available and sneezing or coughing into your elbow or handkerchief will go a long way in protecting you.

The virus easily spreads through coughing and sneezing, meaning that people need to be cautious and responsible with their habits.

Ensure that you also clean surfaces, including your mobile phone, with disinfectant and try as much as possible to avoid touching your face as the virus may be transferred from your hands to your mouth, nose and eyes.

You should also avoid sharing personal items such as towels, bottles, and cigarettes.

6. Restrict your movements

As the number of cases continues to rise globally, more and more countries are closing their borders to reduce the risk of further spreading the virus.

The President has advised on restricted travel from and into the country unless under very urgent and justifiable conditions.

It would be responsible for you to reduce the number of places you visit as well, not only for your sake but for others — especially if you travelled internationally in the past month.

7. Reduce your spending

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the global economy with many countries reporting stock falls, while industries such as aviation and tourism take the hardest hit from reduced travelling.

Businesswise, with employees being asked to stay at home and industry slowing down, it could very well mean that the economy is heading towards a slowdown.

With that in mind, it would be wise for you to check your spending and limit frivolous purchases.

Focus on buying only necessary goods such as food and hygiene products.

8. Shopping in person

This is the best time to shift to online shopping to limit your interactions.

It is important at this time to take advantage of e-commerce to keep yourself and others safe.

9. Waiting too long to see a doctor

It has often been a bad habit for a section of Ugandans to ignore symptoms of illness until it worsens.

This is the time to be more responsible with your health and watch out for any signs and symptoms that may be associated with coronavirus infection.

If you exhibit symptoms such as fever, dry cough, exhaustion, headache and shortness of breath, kindly contact the nearest hospital by phone or call the Ministry of Health emergency hotlines.

Toll Free 0800 203 033/ 0800 100 066   or Mr. Kagirita 0782909153 Dr. Muruta 0772460297