Staying COVID-19 Safe in Public Places
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, how can we stay safe when out in public places?
Following COVID-19, measures have been put in place to prevent a second outbreak of the virus. From wearing a face covering to limiting your contact with other people. These measures are there to protect everyone. So how can you ensure that you're doing everything you can to help?
At Fenetic Wellbeing, we’ve put together a guide to remind you how you can stay safe in public places and reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus.
Wear a face mask
As of July 24th 2020, it will become compulsory to wear face masks in shops in England. It’s currently compulsory to wear face masks when on public transport including buses, trains and taxis. You can buy face masks online but you can also easily make one at home with spare old clothes.
Read our blog which shows you the best ways to make homemade face masks, with or without a sewing machine.
Why face masks?
Face coverings act as a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from travelling in the air and being passed onto other people. Droplets can travel in several ways, whether it be coughing, sneezing, talking or raising your voice. The face mask acts as a barrier to prevent them from being passed onto others. Clinical and laboratory studies have taken place that shows emerging evidence that this technique helps slow the spread.
Keep your distance
It’s important, even when wearing a mask, to try and keep around 2 metres (6 foot) away from the nearest person. If you're a wheelchair or mobility scooter user, this can be difficult when using paths so it’s even more important to wear a mask in public places. Particularly when social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Why social distancing?
Social distancing, also referred to as physical distancing is the practice of keeping a safe space between you and others. This means staying at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces where it is possible.
This is important for everyone. So whether or not you feel fit and healthy, keeping socially distanced is designed to protect you and other people who may be more vulnerable to catching the virus.
These groups include the elderly, people who have had an organ transplant, and those who have conditions/receive treatment that affects their immune system.
Tips for social distancing
Here are some of our tops tips for ensuring you stay safe with social distancing:
- Make sure you keep up to date on government regulations and guidance when it comes to social distancing.
- Try, where possible, to minimise your time spent on public transport.
- Limit contact with others when running errands. Try and go to the shop during non-peak times where possible.
- Try and avoid places where social distancing may be difficult, in particular busy shops or events that are taking place.
- Take part in safe social activities as opposed to larger gatherings, especially with pubs and bars starting to reopen. Meeting family and friends outdoors is the safest way to meet people.
Stay sanitised
Having an alcoholic hand gel with you is one way you can stay safe and try and prevent yourself from catching or spreading the virus. Regularly keeping your hands sanitised has been advised by the World Health Organisation. Washing your hands with soap and water is also as effective.
If you use any form of mobility aid, regularly sanitise the handles and other areas of the device where germs may sit. Including the seat and frame. If possible, sanitise your mobility aids outside before going back into your home. This can help to protect you and anyone else in your household.
Why is it important to sanitise your hands?
When out and about you may touch an infected surface and contaminate your hands. Germs can then be transferred to any surface you touch before washing your hands. If you touch your face or mouth area, these harmful germs can get into your body. So it’s important to sanitise your hands regularly to ensure the disease doesn’t spread.
How to wash your hands properly
Here’s a step by step guide to washing your hands properly:
- Use clean running water to wash your hands.
- Apply soap and lather well for 20 seconds (or longer where necessary).
- Rub hands together quickly ensuring to wash the back of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and into your fingernails.
- Remove rings and watches where possible and wash your rings separately.
- Rinse well under running water and make sure all traces of soap are removed from your hand and wrist.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. If possible, use a disposable paper hand towel.
How can we help you?
If you need advice or are interested in a mobility product to help you get around in public places then feel free to contact us. One of our team will be more than happy to help you. You can either use our live chat below or give us a call on 0800 567 7618.