COVID-19: 10 key points people isolated at home must follow

In Kerala, as any where else, people are on a high alert in view of the threat posed by COVID-19. To keep ourselves safe from the disease, all instructions issued by the Health Department have to be followed. At present, people with COVID-19 symptoms are isolated in hospitals and those who came into contact with them are kept under observation in home quarantine.

If you or someone close to you is kept in self-isolation at home, following 10 steps may help you prevent the spread of the disease further.

» A person isolated at home should have absolutely no contact with others in the house, even if they are close relatives.

» The person under observation has to be cared for only by wearing a mask and gloves.

» Wash your hands with soap or sanitizer every time after entering the room where the patient stays. Afterwards, wipe your hands with a dry cloth or tissue paper.

» Dispose of the masks and towels used by the quarantined person properly.

» Never share the utensils, bed sheet and other items used by the person under observation.

» Clothes of the isolated person have to be washed separately in a bleaching solution and dried under the sun. Bleaching solution is prepared by dissolving three teaspoons of bleaching powder in one litre water.

» Cover your mouth with a hand towel or other cloth while coughing or sneezing. Avoid spitting at public places.

» Consult a doctor even if you have a minor health problem like fever or throat infection.

» Never use public transport if you have disease symptoms. Seek the help of the Health Department to shift to a hospital.

Necessary instructions and guidance would be available from the COVID-19 call centre numbers 0471-2309250, 2309251 and 2309252. Moreover, the health helpline ‘Disha’ can be contacted at 2552056.