Can you get the coronavirus (COVID-19) from food? What is the best way to do laundry? The simplest household chores have become a source of anxiety and uncertainty as families struggle to get the basics done while keeping their loved ones healthy and safe. Misinformation about the virus puts everyone at risk, adding to the stress of separating fact from fiction.
We know that COVID-19 is still being studied. Still, we know it is spread by respiratory droplets (from coughing, sneezing, or singing), released when an infected individual’s respiratory droplets enter the mouth, nose, or eyes of those near them. It is now known that people who do not show any symptoms can still be infected and spread the virus. Infected people can also get infected after touching surfaces that are contaminated. The virus can survive on characters from a few minutes to several days. What’s the good news? Simple disinfectants will kill it. What does this mean to your Home?
We have compiled expert information to give parents the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and some tips on how to keep it away from their Homes.
Wear a mask when in public
In areas where COVID-19 has been reported, it is recommended that a fabric face mask be worn at all times in public places. This is especially important in situations where physical separation is difficult.
Please wash your hands, wash them, wash them
You’ve heard it all over the place, but it’s true. It’s your best defense. Hands should be washed frequently, at least for 20-30 seconds.
Singing the entire happy birthday song twice is a great way to get your kids on time.
Wash your hands after blowing your nose or sneezing into a tissue. Also, wash your hands before and after using the bathroom, leaving and returning home, preparing food, applying makeup, handling contact lenses, etc.
Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol. Cover all areas of your hands with the product and rub them together for 20-30 seconds until they feel dry. Visibly dirty hands should be washed with soap and warm water.
Clean your Home
To reduce the risk of infection, it is essential to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched in your Home.
Use cleaning products according to the instructions provided. This includes taking precautions such as wearing gloves or ensuring adequate ventilation when using them.
Some national authorities have published lists of products they recommend for the fight against COVID-19.
How to disinfect and clean
Clean a dirty surface with water and soap. Use a disinfectant containing bleach or alcohol (around 70%). Vinegar, and other natural products, are not recommended.
It can be hard to find wipes and sprays of disinfectant in many places. Continue to wash with soap and warm water in such situations. On some surfaces, you can also use diluted household bleach solutions.
How to disinfect
It would be best not to wipe off cleaning solutions as soon as they have been applied to a surface. Many disinfectant products, such as wipes or sprays, must remain wet for several minutes to be effective. Read the instructions to ensure you use the product as directed and prevent damaging sensitive items like mobile phones and electronic devices. Consider using wipeable covers for electronics.
Cleaning Clothes
It has yet to be discovered how long COVID-19 can survive on fabrics. However, many clothing items have metal and plastic elements that could allow the virus to live on them for several days.
Use caution and commonsense. Consider removing your footwear when entering your Home, changing into clean clothing when returning home from crowded areas, and immediately washing your hands afterward.
Laundry at Home
Regularly clean bed linen, towels, and clothing.
Avoid shaking dirty laundry to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Wash your clothes with warm water and detergent, then dry them thoroughly. Both steps will help kill the virus.
Use an alcohol-based hand wash or soap to wash your hands immediately after.
You can also wash or disinfect the laundry bag, hamper, and other items. Consider storing your laundry in disposable bags.
Laundry outside the Home
Take sensible precautions if you have to use a laundry facility outside your Home.
Preparing your laundry before you leave Home will help to minimize the time spent outside.
When there are fewer people, try to visit.
Keep a distance of 1 meter or more from others.
Use disposable gloves if you can find them. Disinfect the surfaces of any machines that you use.
If you have indoor laundry facilities, please wait until your laundry is finished outside.
Fold your laundry at Home.
Use an alcohol-based hand wash or soap to wash your hands immediately after.
You can also wash or disinfect the laundry bag/ hamper. Consider storing your laundry in disposable bags.
Hand washing your clothes with detergent or soap and warm water if you cannot access a laundry facility.
Handling and preparing foods
Although there are no reports of people contracting COVID-19 from food or packaging, it is possible that they could become infected after touching an object or surface contaminated with the virus.
It is more dangerous to be near others while shopping for food or receiving food deliveries (as well as receiving any food delivery in an area with local transmission). It’s therefore essential to maintain a distance between you and others of at least one meter, to wear a fabric face mask in public places, and to wash your hands frequently. To prevent food-borne illness, it is always essential to maintain good hygiene when handling food.
Packaging and handling of food
Please remove all unnecessary packaging, and place it in a bin with a lid.
Remove the food from takeout containers and put it on a plate. Discard the container.
Before opening or storing cans, wipe them clean with a disinfectant.
Under running water, wash unpackaged products, such as fruits and vegetables.
Use an alcohol-based hand wash or soap to wash your hands immediately after.
Food safety tips
Before preparing food, wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
Separate chopping boards should be used for uncooked fish and meat.
You should cook food at the temperature recommended.
Keep perishables in the refrigerator or freezer whenever possible. Pay attention to expiration dates.
Avoid accumulating refuse that could attract pests by recycling or disposing of food waste.
Before eating, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
Use only clean plates and utensils.
