Have you washed your hands lately?
You know this by now but it bears repeating: WASH. YOUR. HANDS!
Keeping your digits fresh and sparkling is one of your best lines of defence in this ongoing battle. Minimum 20 seconds of scrub time, please! Get your palms, your thumbs, the back of each hand, between your fingers, under your nails — just go wild. Public Health Canada has created an infographic to help with your technique (pdf).
No access to running water?
Grab hold of some alcohol-based hand sanitizer, made with at least 60 percent alcohol. Just like when washing with soap and water, slather the liquid on your palms, between your fingers, and so on.
Wear a mask or face covering
Another must is a mask. Whether you’re out in public or gathering with a few close friends, you’ve gotta wear your mask!
We’re not talking medical grade, here; just something with two or more layers that covers your nose, mouth, and chin. Whether you go reusable or disposable, homemade or shipped from overseas, wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting others, too.
Keeping your physical and social distance
When the outbreak began, “social distancing” was the term of art. Later, “physical distancing” became popular, to encourage people to continue socializing — just not so close together.
Either way, the idea is the same. Whenever and wherever possible, you should stay 2 meters away from others; especially people you don’t live with. (2 meters is about 6 feet. Spread your arms as wide as they go. That’s not quite 2 meters, but it gives you a sense of the scale.)
Most places have guidelines in place, along with signage and stickers on the floor to direct the flow of traffic. This isn’t the case in the streets, so be mindful of your surroundings. Give people a wide berth whenever you’re able. And for goodness’s sake don’t touch anyone or shake their hand!
And of course, avoid going to parties, gatherings, get-togethers, soirées — basically anywhere there will be a keg. Jump on Zoom instead. It won’t be as fun, but at least you’ll keep yourself and your friends safe.
It’s not just you, your friends, and your family. We’re all counting on you to do your part during this pandemic. Stay curious and open-minded, and above all, stay positive. Nothing lasts forever, including this virus. While the world awaits a vaccine, we have to look ahead to a better, brighter future. We’ll get there together!