Safety Measures
Attempting to flatten the curve
Social Distancing
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Everyone throughout the world is having to change their way of everyday living. They may be deemed an essential worker, allowing them to return to their job, or they might find themselves out of work for an x amount of time. Social distancing is what will limit the spread of COVID-19. What is asked is that people remain approximately two meters or six feet apart from one another (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2020).
Public places that are still running have implemented temporary policies, limiting the amount of people in stores, arrows directing people one way, and line ups measured at two meters apart from the person in front of you.
Gatherings of over five people has been prohibited in order to reduce the spread of the virus. Staying home as much as possible is the recommendation (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2020).
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What is my community doing?
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As this small community is about 45 minutes from London, Sarnia, and Chatham, Ontario, we are dauntingly waiting for the virus to make its appearance. Every day on the news watching the numbers go up and still we have not yet been infected here.
This small community stays positive and continues to support one another. Local businesses do grocery trips for elderly people or families who do not feel safe leaving their house. Grocery stores dedicate certain times for only the elderly to shop, as well as offer their once a week discount daily. Businesses also are putting up sings on their doors, limiting the access in an attempt to keep staff and the community safe.
Families post ideas to keep their children busy to help out others who may not know how to keep their child busy by posting on the social media page for this community. It is hard since the parks are closed. A local mom starts a window walk, where every day those participating change the picture to match the theme, to help entertain families on their walks around town and feel connected to one another.
I have noticed that some people, myself included, have propped open their mailboxes, to help keep everyone safe.
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Self-isolating
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Self-isolating are the measures being taken for people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have come into contact with someone else who has COVID-19, or have travelled out of the country. A person who is self-isolating is asked to stay at their own house and avoid contact with other people for at least 14 days (Ontario, 2020).
It is strongly encouraged that people who are immunocompromised or have chronic diseases should self-isolate as well, as they are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. This is all in hopes to flatten the curve.
Disinfecting
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One of the best safety measures to take during this pandemic is washing your hands. It is suggested by Public Health Agency of Canada (2020) to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
You should wash your hands before eating, for obvious reasons. You should also wash your hands before leaving your hands and right away when returning.
Hand sanitizer is recommended to use if washing hands is not an option. Taking hand sanitizer to essential public places such as the grocery store, pharmacy, or work.
Hands are not the only thing that should be disinfected, but also commonly touched surfaces at home (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2020). These surfaces might include counter/table tops, phones, computers, light switches, door knobs, mailbox, and kitchen appliances. These surfaces can be disinfected with bleach products or rubbing alcohol.
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Post office door
Window walk
