The COVID-19 pandemic has caused catastrophic damage around the world. Millions of people have died or become incredibly sick, and while vaccines have shown to be effective, we are still a long way from getting through these difficult times. It is so important that we all continue to take the correct steps to keep ourselves and our families safe while the virus is still spreading through our communities. Until the vaccination programme can ensure that everyone is safe, there are some proven steps you should be taking to look after your family.
Here are 8 tips for keeping your family safe and healthy during the pandemic.
Follow the government’s instructions
The first thing which every responsible citizen needs to do in order to keep their family safe is to follow the government’s instructions. This can be very difficult with so many governments in the world coming under criticism for their response to the pandemic, but it is important that everyone pulls in the same direction to keep the spread of the virus down. Watch the news regularly and listen out for changes in virus response policy so that you can ensure you and your family are doing your part.
Practise social distancing
While there is still much to learn about the COVID-19 Virus, one thing that is clear is that it is spread from person to person at close proximity. Social distancing is incredibly important as this will reduce the chance of transmission through droplets in your breath. Many stores and other public places have stickers on the floor to show you how far you should be from other people so make sure you follow these visual cues. If in doubt, step back that extra yard. It is a difficult time for children who will no doubt be missing their friends and school so try to explain the importance of social distancing so that they can understand the situation.
Wash your hands regularly and properly
Another way which the virus can spread is through droplets on surfaces so it is very important that you wash your hands regularly and properly. There can be droplets on door handles, taps and any other surfaces which are commonly touched so wash your hands with soap and hot water whenever you get the chance and use hand sanitiser regularly. Try singing Happy Birthday to yourself twice when washing your hands so you know that you have done a thorough job. If you have young children, be sure to teach them the proper way to wash their hands as many children tend to just do a quick job.
Look after your family’s general health
A major factor in how well your body is able to fight the virus is how fit and healthy you are. In all times, but these especially, it is vital that you stay healthy. Canada has seen thousands of deaths from Covid-19 so staying healthy during this time is imperative. There has been a spike in the number of alcohol people in lockdown are drinking but try to eat and drink as healthily as you can. A dietary supplement can also help to sustain your family’s health and if you are stuck inside your home, try ordering online supplements Canada direct to your door. A multivitamin is always advisable for helping to boost immunity and keep your family feeling good.
Exercise regularly
As well as a healthy diet, regular exercise is very important in staying fit and healthy. While many countries are still in lockdown, most allow their citizens to go outside for one session of exercise a day. Not only is this good for your physical health, it is also important for mental health as being cooped up all day can really take its toll. You don’t have to go outside and run a half marathon, just take a brisk walk, stretch, and get some fresh air. If you are exercising in a public place with your family, make sure you follow the social distancing rules.
Speak to vulnerable family members regularly
The pandemic’s toll on the world’s collective mental health has already been enormous as so many people have been left isolated, have lost their jobs, and have experienced the loss of a loved one dying. If there is a vulnerable member of your family, or you have a friend or colleague who you worry may be struggling, make sure you reach out to them regularly for a chat or to see if they need anything. You don’t have to spend two hours on the phone with them each day. Just check in regularly so they know you are thinking about them and so that they can chat about how they are feeling.
Take the vaccine when it’s your turn
With the successful development of effective vaccines, it feels like the world is beginning to turn a corner in the fight against the virus. At this point, one of the most important things you can do to keep your loved ones safe is to take the vaccine when it is your turn. This will not only protect you from the symptoms of Covid-19 but can also reduce your ability to transmit the virus to your family.
Encourage others to take the vaccine
There has been a lot of misinformation and wild conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 vaccine but for the world to overcome the misery of the disease it is so important that people get vaccinated. Until a significant proportion of the population is vaccinated we cannot return to normal life so it is vital that people understand their responsibility. If there is someone in your family who has reservations about getting the vaccine, talk to them about their issues and try to encourage them.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused global damage the scale of which we will never be able to quantify. With the vaccines being successfully rolled out, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is so important that everyone continues to stay vigilant and follow the expert advice until this terrible pandemic is finally over. Follow these tips to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy during these unprecedented times.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
