Keeping a clean home helps keep Covid-19 out.
As devastating as Covid-19 has been, one of the simplest way to avoid the virus is to stay clean and be in a clean environment. ER24 has provided the public with a few tips on how they can keep themselves as Covid-19 free as possible.
Nursing Odyssey Programme manager for Mediclinic Southern Africa Yolanda Walsh stated that soap and water is the best first option. “Frequently touched surfaces tend to have a slightly oily sheen from people’s hands.” Along with hand washing, wiping surfaces with disinfectant is an effective way to break down the virus organisms.
ER24 advised the public to ensure they always have soap or detergent, reusable cleaning cloths, sponges or paper towels, alcohol-based hand sanitiser, disinfectants and disposable or reusable utility gloves in supply at all times. Always ensure there is proper ventilation in your home and remember to clean surfaces such as counters, tables, doorknobs and sinks that are frequently touched on a daily basis. When arriving at home, remove your mask, touching only the straps. Disinfect any objects you’ve touched, such as keys, and wash your hands well before touching anything or anyone in your home.
Wash your hands before and after preparing food and before you eat. Wash fruit and vegetables under running water and use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked food. Be sure you use a clean spoon each time you sample food while cooking. Make a point of not sharing dishes or eating utensils. If you don’t use a dishwasher, wash your dishes in hot, soapy water and air-dry them and clean the inside of your refrigerator weekly.
If there is a Covid-19 positive patient in the house, clean their clothes, bed linen, bath and hand towels, using regular laundry soap and water or machine wash at 60–90 °C (if possible) with common household detergent. Place contaminated linen into a laundry bag and avoid contaminated materials coming into contact with skin and clothes.