What is self-quarantine?

Even if you are taking all preventive measures such as wearing a mask and washing hands, you can still find yourself in a situation where you may be exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). Quarantine means staying home and avoiding close contact with anyone. Self-quarantine is for healthy people who don’t have symptoms, but are at risk of exposure:

• Visited an affected country
• Attended a large gathering or party where someone was confirmed to be positive with COVID-19
• Or worked with someone who has confirmed COVID-19

As per health experts, the Quarantine period is for 14 days to see if you develop flu-like symptoms. Even if you’re healthy and not exposed to symptoms and do not fall under any risk category, you should continue to take preventive measures and monitor yourself. Self-quarantine also slows the spread of infection throughout the planet. Follow these self-quarantine steps to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

1.Separation

It is important to separate yourself from your partner, roommates, kids, and parents. Use a separate room and bathroom from the rest of your family members, because every surface you touch gets contaminated with the virus. Avoid meeting with visitors, and keep a distance of three to six feet from others.

2. Don’t share your personal items with anyone

To avoid spreading germs, don’t share drinking glasses, eating utensils, dishes, towels, and bedding. Wash your used item yourself thoroughly with soap and water.

3. Clean and Disinfect all high-touch surfaces every day

Use a household cleaning spray or wipe to clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, tablets, phones, keyboards and even those surfaces that have body fluids or blood.

4. Maintain proper Hygiene

After touching your eyes, nose and face wash your hands often for 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing and sneezing and immediately wash your hands with soap and water and throw away the used tissue. The used tissue must be disposed of properly.

5. Wear a mask

If you are sick, or taking care of the sick or going out in the public area, wear a mask to prevent the virus from spreading. You should also wear a mask when you are around people or visiting any doctor.

6. Monitor your health

Keep a check on your health, visit a doctor immediately when you develop flu symptoms. Household members should also check on the patient’s symptoms and immediately see a health care provider if the condition is getting chronic.

7. Proper care of elders and pregnant women

Elderly members who have serious medical conditions have a higher risk of infection. Even pregnant women should also take precautions.

8. Stay home as much as possible

Avoid going out in public areas in case it is not necessary.  Store all the daily essentials like food items, soap, diapers for infants, medicines and cleaning supplies. Don’t use public transport like cabs, buses, and trains.

By taking these preventive measures you can slow the spread of COVID-19 and can protect yourself along with your friends and family. Even if you are not a COVID-19 patient, it is important to follow these steps for self-quarantine to stay safe and healthy.