10 protective measures necessary to avoid contracting coronavirus and infecting others

In the context of the alarming spread of the new type of coronavirus across the globe, each of us plays an important role. That is why adopting responsible social behavior is essential not only at home and at work, but also in the neighborhood where we live.

Due to a lack of correct information, sometimes we don't proceed as we should regarding prevention, and daily habits can put our well-being at risk. Unfortunately, now it's not just about ourselves, but also about family, colleagues, and neighbors.

During this period, it is vital to consider expert guidance. Experts recommend a series of protective measures that we should put into practice to take care of our health and that of those around us, young and old. We present below a series of protective measures to follow wherever you are, regardless of location, to prevent coronavirus infection.

1. Be very careful with hygiene!

Strictly follow personal hygiene rules recommended by the authorities repeatedly. DSU (Department for Emergency Situations) recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after any contact with a potentially contaminated surface. It is advisable to use paper towels to dry your hands afterwards. If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, use disinfectant gels. If your hands are not sanitized, do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Every time you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue, then throw it in the trash can. Frequently disinfect home surfaces with alcohol- or chlorine-based products, focusing on those you come into contact with most often.

Ventilate the rooms several times a day, especially if you spend a lot of time in them. Do not drink liquids from the same bottle/glass with other people and do not use the same cutlery.

Limit close contact with others as much as you can.

Experts recommend avoiding displays of affection with people outside your immediate family, such as handshakes, hugs, kissing cheeks or hands, and touching faces with your hands. Moreover, you should not perform these gestures even with family members until you have properly sanitized your hands.

Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces in your neighborhood.

Handrails, door handles, levers, and buttons for elevators or stair access are among the most frequently touched items in the neighborhood. It is advisable to avoid direct contact without gloves. Since it is almost impossible to follow this rule in some cases, still use a disposable wipe to touch them.

Keep children away from crowded playgrounds

Crowded playgrounds in the neighborhood can be a source of infection, especially if no one takes care of their sanitation. Therefore, during this period, while schools and kindergartens are closed, it is advisable to find other activities for spending leisure time with children. Try to fill their time spent at home with educational activities that keep their attention alive, and when you go out, avoid malls. Outdoor walks are recommended as long as crowded places are avoided. Don't forget, the air near the forest is much cleaner, so you can spend time on the terrace without worry; especially for elderly people.

5. Pay attention to the groups children interact with.

During this period, keep children away from groups (adults or toddlers), and anyone showing cold or flu symptoms. Avoid even contact with relatives or friends, especially if you know they have recently traveled to a foreign country that presents a risk of contamination. We have the impression that it cannot happen to us or our loved ones, but it is best to prevent it. And how else, if not by listening to the authorities' advice?

Avoid making invitations to the home. 

If you are a sociable person and like to entertain guests often, you will need to be more selective in this regard in the upcoming period. For example, do not invite friends, neighbors, or relatives whom you know have been abroad or could have interacted with someone who has traveled. It is advisable to wait at least 14 days after their return before coming into direct contact with these individuals.

Also, do not visit neighbors who are self-isolating at home, regardless of whether they show specific coronavirus symptoms or not. If you want to help them in this situation, do their necessary shopping and leave it at their door without coming into direct contact with them.

Avoid leaving the country during this period.

If you are required to travel outside the country, please consider that upon your return, authorities may require you to remain in quarantine/isolation at home for 14 days, along with your family. Previously, these recommendations were only for red/yellow zones, but recently, people have been found to have contracted the illness in countries and cities that were not on the high-risk lists. Therefore, self-isolation at home for 14 days is a gesture of responsibility on your part.

8. Opt for working from home 

If your work and employer allow it, don't hesitate to opt for remote work. You'll be much safer in your own home, with your loved ones. Additionally, you'll be even more productive from the comfort of your home because you'll have privacy and will avoid long, tiring commutes to work. Find a secluded spot where you can concentrate and spend your breaks with pleasant activities, in the comfort of your own home.

Avoid going shopping in crowded stores.

Crowded neighborhood stores are another risk factor that can lead to the spread of coronavirus, so you should avoid them. Opt for online orders and limit the use of banknotes and coins. DSU draws attention to the fact that viruses are transmitted to a significant extent through money, which a very large number of people statistically come into contact with.

Wear a protective mask if you show signs of illness 

A protective/surgical mask protects those around you if you have flu or cold symptoms, as it prevents the respiratory spread of the virus. This mask must be fitted properly to completely cover your nose and mouth.

Please keep these social conduct rules in mind, because, In the context of the coronavirus, you are no longer responsible only for your health and that of your family, but also for the health of the people you come into contact with. 

Up to this moment (03/20), in Greenfield Băneasa Residence neighborhood the necessary measures were taken, coordinated by the property administrations, the management company, with the support of Sector 1 City Halldisinfection of building entrances, frequently touched surfaces (intercom, railings, elevator), disinfection of playgrounds, sidewalk cleaning, disinfection of apartment building stairwells, with disinfection of outdoor areas to follow.

We trust that it will be fine. Greenfield is staying home!