With more 140,000 than people infected and 5000 dead globally due to the novel coronavirus, the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a global panic. As the novel coronavirus spreads, self-quarantine has become a buzzword as health facilities are overwhelmed with people who have contracted the virus. Doctors say not all patients need intensive care but all need to be isolated or quarantined. Self-quarantine is the most effective way to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
People who have traveled recently may not necessarily develop symptoms of flu for as long as two weeks but they are carriers nevertheless. This is why travelers who may have come in contact with a coronavirus carrier or suspect they have should avoid meeting other people in the two-week window.
An isolation period involved individuals or families staying with their homes and avoiding any physical staying within their homes and avoid any physical contact with those outsides. Quarantine also means not going to work, classes, malls, events or other social gatherings in this period. The period of days has been suggested by health experts based on estimates, as symptoms for COVID- 19 show up after an average of five days. In the given period, only people who usually live in the household should be in the home.
With governments announcing shutdowns and advising to avoid large public gatherings, more and more people are leaning towards the prospect of self-quarantine.
SO HOW CAN ONE QUARANTINE THEMSELVES?
-The first step: report any symptoms of COVID-19 immediately
-Monitor your temperature with a thermometer at least twice a day. Watch for symptoms like fever, dry cough, fatigue, sore throat, headache or difficulty in breathing.
-Do not leave your room
-If you are staying with family at home, stay away from them as much as possible(about 6 feet or 2 meters of distance). Staying in a spate room using a spate bathroom, if available, is preferable. Also, avoid having any visitors at home during the time.
-If you need to seek medical care call ahead to ensure you are going to the right place and inform your doctor about your recent travels. Wear a mask while visiting hospitals and when you are around people.
-Keep tissues and hand sanitizers that have at least 60 percent of alcohol right next to your bed. Always discard used tissues in a bin.
-Repeatedly wash and clean common surfaces like counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables to avoid spreading the virus.
-Avoid coughing in someone else’s direction, and cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing with your upper arm or tissue at all the times. Also, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers, with at least 60 percent alcohol content.
-While in self-quarantine, it is also important to avoid sharing household items like drinking glasses, towels, eating utensils, bedding or any other items with someone else.
-Stay in a room that is well ventilated – use an air conditioner or open windows.
-If during quarantine your health starts worsening, immediately contact your doctor and let them know of the symptoms
-Wear clothes that have been washed properly and stock up on food for the quarantine period. Choose meals that require less work and are stress-free.