Everyone is now much more informed about the importance of social distancing, and personal hygiene. However, I have noticed that there are details or other topics of high importance (e.g. mental health) that we repeatedly discuss with colleagues, in the lab, or with our families. I put together a list with key topics and advice from colleagues and experts from HMS, HSPH, and the Broad that I share with my friends and loved ones. I’m also happy to share here. This of course is a personal opinion piece.
- Staying at home as much as possible is key. This way we protect ourselves and our loved ones. This does not mean that we stop doing activities we love. We can work out (plenty of amazing videos out there), prepare a nice meal, meditate, video-chat with friends (or even arrange video-parties!), spend time with our kids, explore our artistic side, watch a movie (or two), and work (remotely). We have to accept that our lives have changed, and we are taking drastic measures now to reduce potentially adverse situations tomorrow. This doesn’t mean that we have to sit idle and look at the ceiling or spend half the day reading about the coronavirus. We can have a full and creative schedule at home!
- Staying at home does also mean that we control visits or if possible, avoiding visitors altogether. This also includes our friends, relatives, or playdates for our kids.
- If we HAVE to go out (e.g. work, groceries, pharmacy, etc), then we try to avoid means of transportation (e.g. public transportation) that can bring us into uncontrolled contact with others, as well as surfaces that are used by many (handles, chairs, doors, etc).
- If we are in such a situation, we try to minimize contact with surfaces, avoid touching our face, and keep our hands in control (e.g. resting on us). Washing/sanitizing hands whenever possible is also a priority.
- We can always enjoy a hike or a workout in nature, as well as a picnic with our family. Using safe means of transportation (e.g. our bikes or car) and avoiding places with other people or commonly used surfaces still stands. Gyms, even in our apartment building, should be avoided.
- Super markets and grocery stores are especially crowded these days. Ordering our groceries online is a convenient alternative. We can contact also local supermarkets and grocery stores for delivery, since most now do. This way, we support our local businesses, while avoiding crowded places. We can also help our elderly to order online or arrange to have their groceries and medication delivered to their home.
- Since now we’re receiving more deliveries than ever, it’s important to avoid direct contact with the delivery person (for their and our safety). The 6ft/2m rule is very useful. Washing our veggies with water and soap can ascertain their safety.
- Our mental health needs also equal care and attention. Depending on their age, we can explain the situation to our children and assure them that the measures we are taking are to keep them safe. Keeping a routine reduces anxiety, while a calm household benefits all. If the children are older, we can discuss and provide realistic assurance. Managing also media and internet access (staying informed but not overwhelmed) can also prove beneficial. We also should often assess how we and our loved ones respond to this new information and challenges.
- We should keep in mind that viruses don’t discriminate, and neither should we. The coronavirus doesn’t recognize race, nationality, or ethnicity. It is a global challenge.
- We should avoid spreading misinformation at all cost. Unfortunately, tv shows, tweets or online campaigns do not fact-check the information they provide or aim for personal gain. We should double-check every piece of information that we forward, like, or retweet. There is currently NO treatment for the virus, no herb, colloidal silver, or secret medication. Even if I we had a million dollars to spend, there is no cure to purchase yet. Thousands of our colleagues in the academic, government, and private sectors are working 24/7 on this but it will take time. No, holding your breath for 10’ does not mean that you have or don’t have the virus. Let’s keep calm, breathe, and follow scientific advice.
- Staying at home is even more important when we have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive (or had symptoms). The symptoms are similar to the common cold many times (sore throat, cough, fever). We should self-quarantine in all these cases and contact our personal physician (not go there!).
- The most important: being empathetic. We need each other more than any other time, and it’s a challenge faced across the globe. We should try to support our loved ones and neighbors. We should think about the people who are losing their jobs or our healthcare providers and their families who are on the front-line. Simple things can go a long way. For instance, to support a local restaurant, we can buy a gift card that we will use at a later time or order our groceries from a local store. We all face the same challenges and it’s a great opportunity to show that we are humans above all else.
Stay safe everyone. We’ll get through this together!