What are some General Tips I should follow?

General Tips

Clean Your Phone

This is important. Always wipe down your phone. You know not to touch your face and to wash your hands, but your phone is likely with you at every step of your day, exposed to an endless stream of germs and a high risk for transmission. And chances are while you’ve learned not to touch your face, you touch your phone and then your phone touches your face.

• • Wipe it down thoroughly, at least once a day
  • Take the case off and sanitize it with a wipe or a paper towel with hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid any ports so you don’t get liquids inside.
  • Take the case off and wipe that down separately, inside and out.
  • Let it air dry for a few minutes before putting it back on.
  • Use speakerphone whenever possible to avoid face contamination (but don’t be rude in public)
  • Use a head phone for private calls
  • Wipe down the surface regularly
  • Don’t take your phone into the bathroom

Public and Shared Bathrooms

• • Use toilet seat covers
  • Don’t touch anything with an uncovered hand, use a paper towel to open stall doors, flush.
  • Don’t place items on flat surfaces.
  • Use you’re the back of your hand to turn the faucet on or off whenever possible, more importantly turning it off, and use soap and water to wash your hands.
  • If there is an option, choose the paper towels to dry your hands, not the air blowers.
  • Never use reuseable towels in a public bathroom.
  • When opening the door to leave, use your foot or use a paper towel on the door handle.

Your Home & Car

You know to clean your house but pay particular attention to those areas where people are entering after being in the public, possibly exposed.

• • Wipe down outside and inside door handles
  • Wipe down counters after groceries or deliveries have been put away
  • Wash all new clothing that is delivered
  • Wipe down all surfaces in your car that you touched, inside and out, including door handles, gear shifts, steering wheel, radio knobs, trunk latches, etc
  • If you live in a building with public spaces, avoid touching shared spaces as much as possible, and if you have to, use a tissue or paper towel that you can dispose of between each touch point. Wash or sanitize your hands as soon as possible after using these. That includes:
    • Elevator buttons (use your knuckles if possible)
    • Stair railings
    • Door handles (when possible use your hip or leg to gently push doors open)
    • Mail boxes
  • Deliveries
    • If you’re ordering food or groceries, use no contact delivery options whenever possible
    • Wash your hands after receiving the deliveries
    • Always tip and tip well
    • If you’ve ordered take out food, use your own plates, don’t eat out of the containers the food came in.
    • Pay online by credit card whenever possible
    • If you have to pay by cash, put the money in an envelope so they aren’t touching it directly.
    • If you cannot do no contact delivery, wear a face mask and stay at least 6 feet apart.
  • Curbside Pick up
    • Pay online by credit card whenever possible
    • Wear a mask when picking up just in case they need to speak with you.
    • Have your trunk ready so they don’t have to wait and break social distancing
    • Tip, and tip well
    • Be patient and understanding
    • Show up at the scheduled time, on time.
    • If necessary, communicate through the open passenger-side window, not the driver’s side, to protect them from oncoming traffic, and to maintain social distance.
  • If you encounter resistance – Just walk away.
    Anyone resisting social distancing or flouting the recommendations isn’t likely someone who would be open to discussion or convincing. Engaging in discussions will only escalate the tension and risk exposure. If you are uncomfortable, notify management if possible, and get to safety.

General Health: Maintain your general health during this pandemic.

• Continue to take all medications
• Eat healthy
• Maintain healthy sleep habits
• Exercise regularly
• Relax
• Understand that this is a stressful time and we are all unsure and need reassurances. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
• Don’t accept easy answers or explanations. This is a time when careful vigilance is needed, and that applies to news and information, too.
• If you aren’t feeling well, even if it’s unrelated to Covid 19, call your doctor’s office.
• If you have a medical emergency, do not avoid the emergency room. You can have someone call ahead to find a separate entrance or timing, if you have that option, but do not risk not going if you need to.
• Dental emergencies happen, too. Call your dentist if you have a problem. Remember dentists are used to practicing very strong hygiene habits and are prepared for safe, effective treatment.
• You don’t need a haircut that badly. Wear a hat, try different styles, use product to contain it.
• Connect with friends and colleagues online through chats or video conferencing
• Find religious services online
• Seek out recovery support resources and online meetings.
• Find classes, new networking groups online, learn new skills, broaden your world