Don’t blindly believe & forward WhatsApp messages
You might have already come across numerous WhatsApp forwards related to COVID-19 right from home remedies to prevent and treat coronavirus to false statistics about deaths related to the disease. While there is no way you can stop people from sending these messages, you can at least try not to believe these false claims and verify the accuracy of the content. Look for information from credible sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India.
Don’t stock bulk food/daily essentials
The day the Indian Government has ordered lockdown across the country, people were on the roads to stock up groceries and other daily essentials for the next few months. All this because of some baseless rumors that the entire country will be under lockdown for the next six months. However, the reality is that all daily essentials including milk, groceries, medicines, vegetables, fruits, etc have been operational. So there is no need to panic and stock up all the daily essentials with the fear of complete lockdown.
Don’t buy sanitizers in large numbers
There is no denying that sanitizers are a must to prevent the spread of the infection and fight this public health emergency. But this doesn’t mean you buy every bottle of sanitizer in the market and save for future use. By doing so, you are making it difficult for those to get hold of it who actually need it. So think twice before you stock up sanitizers at your home. Infact, experts claim that washing hands with soap and water is the best way to practise hand hygiene than using a sanitiser.
Don’t ignore the symptoms you see
Be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 which include fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, and sore throat. If you or anyone in your close proximity (friends, relatives, neighbours or family) experience any of these symptoms and have a warranted travel or contact history, then do ask them to consult a doctor. Do not self-assume things that the person might be coronavirus positive. This may not only affect the person but also create panic among others.
Do not ignore the symptoms nor do think of undergoing the test as you need a doctor’s prescription to get the test done. So visit and talk to your doctor if you ever have any symptoms. Also do not hide the symptoms as this not only puts your life at risk but also the people around you including your family and friends.
Don’t panic, stay calm
Do not let the fear of coronavirus take a toll on your mental health. Practise meditation and yoga that can help you to de-stress and stay calm. If watching news channels or reading about coronavirus deaths causes anxiety, then stay away from it. Moreover, try to make the most of this situation by spending some quality time with your family, reading a book that you wanted to finish for a while or try out a new hobby to keep you engaged. Remember, panicking should not be in your list of to do’s to fight against the coronavirus.
COVID-19 is a public health emergency and it is the responsibility of each and every individual to do our bit to prevent the spread of the infection. Do not panic, stay alert, act responsible!