Tech & Sci
2020.03.17 14:59 GMT+8

How to protect ourselves from COVID-19?

Updated 2020.03.17 14:59 GMT+8
By Gao Yun

How people can prevent themselves from being infected with the novel coronavirus has been a topic of global concern amid the outbreak. It has also become one of the most-voted questions at CGTN's social platforms.

We have sorted out following measures that can be helpful to everyone.

CGTN

Washing hands and wearing a mask are daily routine now. But do you actually know the correct way to do these two things?

Click here to see the guide to using masks and washing hands for prevention against novel coronavirus.

Disinfection is also an effective way to prevent COVID-19.

"The main goal about personal disinfection is to keep the virus out of your home," said Zhang Liubo, chief disinfection specialist of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "So when you get home, change clothes and shoes, and wash hands. When going out, wear a mask and keep your hands clean by washing or using hand sanitizers."

"Alcohol is the first choice when doing hand disinfection, which can be done fast, only in 30 seconds to a minute," said Zhang. Other disinfectants like the so-called "84 disinfectant liquid," a chlorine-containing disinfectant, can be used to sterilize your home, as alcohol is more suitable for smaller surfaces.

Clean the floor and desks at your workplace once or twice a day and do disinfection when necessary, and timely disinfect the frequently-touched items, such as elevator buttons, door knobs, and public telephones.

Read more: How can people protect themselves as they return to work?

But it's unnecessary to disinfect tires, hallways, the bottom of your shoes, or deliveries. Excessive disinfection can cause damage to the environment and human skin, and trigger asthma.

Parents should be aware that babies cannot wear masks, which can cause difficulty in breathing and even risk of suffocation. 

During an outbreak, it's better to have a fixed caregiver, and the parent who takes care of the baby should wear a mask and not sneeze or exhale to the baby. Washing hands is important before touching the kids' utensils, toys, daily necessities or interacting with them. Do not share utensils. Do not blow food with mouth, or taste and chew food before feeding.

For confirmed parturients, breastfeeding is not recommended. Bottle-feeding is better, said expert.

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