How to Stay Safe at Home During Self-isolation

Due to the current outbreak of COVID-19, the British government has strongly advised all citizens who have any of the symptoms related to the disease to self-isolate at home for 7 days. For people who have a family and any member of the family displays such symptoms, all members are expected to self-isolate for 14 days.

This is a responsible approach, which is meant to slow down the spread of the virus and potentially save many lives of the most vulnerable. But you must remember to be careful even during self-isolation. There are several things you should keep in check during your lockdown at home.

Your Maintain High Standards of Personal Hygiene

Probably one of the greatest perks of having to self-isolate is that many people would be able to work in their pants, rather than putting on suits and work dresses. That’s great and you should always feel comfortable at home. Don’t forget, however, that despite being isolated from the outside world, you still need to wash your hands with soap often and scrub your face. No, it’s not a beauty routine (although a great time to start one!). It’s a requirement to stay safe from the virus when on home lockdown.

Keep Your Home Clean and Sanitised at All Times

Personal hygiene is not enough. You will need to make sure your living environment is also sanitised on a daily basis. The Coronavirus is not deadly for most healthy individuals, but in combination with a bacterial infection, for example, it could cause a lot of damage. Even to someone with no other underlying issues. Clean your home and take the time to disinfect the most commonly used areas - bathroom, toilet, kitchen.

Know What to Do and Who to Call in an Emergency

Probably you are self-isolating because you felt at least one of the symptoms related to COVID-19. Monitor yourself and your health over the whole time you are staying at home. If you notice your symptoms are getting worse, make sure you know what to do if it gets out of your control. Create a small diagram with simple actions and a phone number to call, print it and place it somewhere you can clearly see it. Oftentimes, when we suddenly feel worse than we expected we start panicking and don’t think straight. Having a plan for action written down in simple steps helps us concentrate and do the right thing.

Check Your Food Supplies

You have probably bought enough food and essential products to last you for the period of your self-isolation. However, we all felt the effects of store shelves going empty faster than we can blink. Check your food supplies daily and if you notice you are running out of something essential make arrangements to get it. Online shopping could be one solution, but the couriers may also be overwhelmed and your order may not be delivered until several days or even a week later. A better option would be to speak to your neighbour or a friend who lives nearby and is currently not self-isolating to get what you need from the shop and leave it safely in front of your door.

In the event that the whole country goes under complete lockdown, the government should make provisions for people to receive essential supplies. Local volunteering groups may also help.

Stretch and Exercise

Do not spend a whole week in front of the computer or on the sofa binge-watching Netflix. Start every morning with a gentle stretch and mild exercises for 15-20 minutes. If you have a garden, jog for a few minutes in a circle. Not only your body will feel better, but you will be a lot more productive during the day.

Open Your Windows

Last but not least, the quality of the air you breathe at home matters a lot! You should open the windows in your bedrooms and living room for at least 30 minutes a day to ventilate and improve the air quality. If you can steam clean your rooms, this will bring extra quality to your breathing air. This is important because if you are having a cough, runny or blocked nose or difficulty breathing, fresh air will make it easier on you.

On behalf of the whole vulnerable UK population we want to thank you for being responsible and putting yourself in self-isolation even if your symptoms are extremely mild. Stay safe, protect others!