COVID-19 has changed us a lot in a different way. How we live, how we approach people, how we go grocery shopping, and how we think. We became careful about our surroundings and how we communicate with people around us. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person by droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and then these droplets lands in our mouths or nose, we can obtain the virus.

Currently, there is no vaccine that can prevent COVID-19. As long as there is no vaccine and the government may opt to lift any form of quarantine, we still need to practice protective measures to avoid obtaining COVID-19:

1. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

2. When coughing, always cover your mouth and noseAlways cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.

3. Wear a face mask every time you go outEveryone should wear a face mask when they must go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.

4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.This does not only include the daily objects we touch such as: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks, but we also have to ensure disinfect objects that are being borrowed from us such as ID, pens, notebook, and even laptop.

5. Practice social distancing

To reduce the transmission of bacteria, we should distance ourselves from other people so that bacteria will not easily be transferred.

Prevention is always better than cure. As the number of people with COVID-19 continues to increase, everyone has a role to play in taking care of themselves and their loved ones and slowing the spread of the new coronavirus.

Seek medical care early if you or one of your family members have a fever, cough, body malaise, or difficulty in breathing.