When it comes to being ahead of the pandemic its best to create a checklist of all the factors required to ensure that utmost protection is used for yourself and those around you.

• Get your facts straight:

1. Inform your self from valid and credible sources – not blogs or people’s opinions, but from doctors and experts on pandemics.
2. As of now we have yet to find a vaccine therefore the best way to prevent getting infected is to actually avoid being exposed to the virus.
3. The virus is said to spread rapidly from person to person therefore close contact with others should be avoided as the virus tends to hit the respiratory system via droplets that enter the body from the mouth and nose.

• Watch your hygiene:

1. Wash your hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds – particularly when in public spaces.
2. Alternatively, use a hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol.
3. Avoid touching your face and in particular your mouth, eyes or nose, without having previously disinfected your hands.
4. Avoid contact particularly with those that have already been infected – its ok to place distance with friends and family members during this time.
5. Always cover your mouth and nose with a mask or face cloth when in public – its purpose is to protect others in case you are infected.
6. If you have the common cold, make sure you dispose of all tissues used in a closed bin and immediately disinfect your hands.

• Disinfect your space:

1. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces several times throughout the day; particularly doorknobs, tables, toilets, phones, keyboards etc.

• Monitor your health:

1. Be attentive should any symptoms creep up such as cough, fever or shortness of breath.
2. Take your temperature every morning and at night.

If any symptoms arise, visit your doctor a.s.