COVID-19: How to Behave in Public During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 virus has changed the entire global dynamics within a few months. From people yearning for the same old monotonous lifestyle to people getting out amidst the lockdown for a breath of fresh air, we’ve seen it all.

While the authorities and medical staff are strongly suggesting people avoid stepping outside, going out becomes a necessity when you’re running out of groceries and food supplies. Therefore we (inspired by a leading publication), decided to pen down the necessary precautions and guidelines you should follow before stepping out.

1) MAINTAIN DISTANCE
As per the World health organization (WHO), people should maintain a necessary 1-meter distance (3 feet). Try to avoid pushing people out of impatience because the further you stay from humans, the further you are from the deadly virus.

2) DON’T STEP OUT OF YOUR HOME WITHOUT A MASK
By accepting the recent fashion trend of wearing masks and gloves, we are protecting ourselves and others around us. The sooner we accept this, the better.

3) DO NOT TOUCH UNNECESSARY PRODUCTS AND SURFACES
Stop touching your face, surfaces, and unnecessary items. Sanitize your hands and objects after contact with the public, avoid picking up things if you don’t intend to purchase them, keep the cash on the counter rather than handing it to the cashier.

4) AND OBVIOUSLY, DO NOT TOUCH OTHER PEOPLE
People don’t really understand the concept of personal space, however, we need to instill it into our minds whether we like it or not. It’s hard to avoid hugging or resisting the urge to hug a loved one but in times like this, a simple nod, smile, or a wave can do the job for you.

5) WIPE OF YOUR SHOPPING CARTS BEFORE AND AFTER USING THEM
Carry antibacterial wipes or tissues with you everywhere. Regardless of the superstores’ efforts to keep the environment as germ-free as possible, you need to take the precautions for your own self and the people around you as well.

6) DON’T HOARD
Do not hoard on supplies, what happens to be an extra luxury for you might happen to be a necessity for someone else. Pick what you really really really need, else move on and let someone else take it.

7) DO NOT BRING YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY WITH YOU
As much as the days are boring and everyone wants to step out and see how the world used to be, try to avoid doing that. This will prevent excessive crowding of the space and will reduce the risk of you and your loved ones as well as other members of the community catching the virus.

8 ) FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS LAID OUT BY THE STORE MANAGEMENT AND RESPECT THE STORE EMPLOYEES
Everyone is being treated equally, so try to avoid picking arguments with the store employees if they ask you to get in the line or follow the sops set by the authorities. They are not getting paid enough for a thankless job and yet they try their best to protect you and your loved ones against the deadly virus.