How to Stay Safe In and Out of Your Condo During a Pandemic
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by Nina Tambal
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Jun 23, 2020
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General
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Since most of the Philippines is already under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ), more people are allowed to go outside.
Meaning that some of us may be going back to the office, serving as the skeletal workforce, or choosing to visit our family and friends who are also under the same quarantine measure.
Our battle against the contagion is still not over. Which is why it is important for us to stay alert and cautious when venturing outside.
More so if you’re living in an apartment, because there are risks such as being in an enclosed space like the elevator or touching an infected surface like your mailbox.
So, here are five ways to stay safe in and out of your condo during a pandemic.
If you are unable to do the former, then get a hand sanitizer or alcohol that you can bring with you anytime and anywhere.
Don’t forget to wear your mask when you go outside. Remember that even if you’re not sick, there are carriers who are asymptomatic.
Wearing a mask will decrease the chance of spreading the virus further in case you sneeze or cough.
Then, there’s disinfection, which applies to residents that are going out as well as staying in. Especially for those who are buying groceries and having goods delivered to their apartment.
In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to regularly clean your space if you don’t do it already. Just to maintain a healthy environment.
Personally, the clothes that I wear outside go straight to the washing machine the moment I arrive home. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Unless the management has established precautionary measures. Then, there’s the commute to work, the supermarket, or the mall.
If you are practicing good hygiene and disinfection, there will be a lower risk of getting the virus. But it would also be useful to be mindful of your alternatives.
For example, if you have a car that you can drive to work and back, then go ahead and make the most of this option.
If you want to visit your friends and family, then ensure that you will be in a space that allows everyone to practice physical distancing.
It would be wise to set a schedule for yourself, whether it’s going on a food run or spending quality time with people important to us.
Space out the trips you make outside as much as possible. At least two weeks since this is the virus’ incubation period.
Furthermore, do stock up when shopping for essential goods, but do not hoard. This is how a schedule can help you. You will be able to determine the amount of products you will be needing until your next visit.
This is something that most Filipinos are afraid to do, because of the discrimination that comes with it.
But more often than not, the pandemic proves that compassion goes a long way. Ignore residents or individuals who decide to treat you with hostility or aversion.
As long as you know that you are doing your best for the community and for yourself, nothing else should matter.
Now is not the time to test someone’s patience or even your own immune system. Because if worse comes to worst, it may cost your life.
Take the time to appreciate the little things you miss and look forward to doing it again once we reach the light of this seemingly endless and dark tunnel.
I’m here and I’m rooting for you. And I truly can’t wait for the day we can celebrate in numbers and embrace each other in pure gratitude and love.
Meaning that some of us may be going back to the office, serving as the skeletal workforce, or choosing to visit our family and friends who are also under the same quarantine measure.
Our battle against the contagion is still not over. Which is why it is important for us to stay alert and cautious when venturing outside.
More so if you’re living in an apartment, because there are risks such as being in an enclosed space like the elevator or touching an infected surface like your mailbox.
So, here are five ways to stay safe in and out of your condo during a pandemic.
1. Practice good hygiene and disinfection
This is a given, but some people tend to take this crucial guideline for granted. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.If you are unable to do the former, then get a hand sanitizer or alcohol that you can bring with you anytime and anywhere.
Don’t forget to wear your mask when you go outside. Remember that even if you’re not sick, there are carriers who are asymptomatic.
Wearing a mask will decrease the chance of spreading the virus further in case you sneeze or cough.
Then, there’s disinfection, which applies to residents that are going out as well as staying in. Especially for those who are buying groceries and having goods delivered to their apartment.
In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to regularly clean your space if you don’t do it already. Just to maintain a healthy environment.
Personally, the clothes that I wear outside go straight to the washing machine the moment I arrive home. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Stay vigilant towards your surroundings
Crowded places will be hard to avoid at this point. The elevator in your condo building already poses a problem.Unless the management has established precautionary measures. Then, there’s the commute to work, the supermarket, or the mall.
If you are practicing good hygiene and disinfection, there will be a lower risk of getting the virus. But it would also be useful to be mindful of your alternatives.
For example, if you have a car that you can drive to work and back, then go ahead and make the most of this option.
If you want to visit your friends and family, then ensure that you will be in a space that allows everyone to practice physical distancing.
3. Set a schedule
Now, I know that we all miss our loved ones dearly. But it is still a luxury to visit them as often as we did pre-COVID.It would be wise to set a schedule for yourself, whether it’s going on a food run or spending quality time with people important to us.
Space out the trips you make outside as much as possible. At least two weeks since this is the virus’ incubation period.
Furthermore, do stock up when shopping for essential goods, but do not hoard. This is how a schedule can help you. You will be able to determine the amount of products you will be needing until your next visit.
4. Be transparent
Communicate with your landlord or the property management openly. The minute you think that you have contracted the virus, give them a head’s up.This is something that most Filipinos are afraid to do, because of the discrimination that comes with it.
But more often than not, the pandemic proves that compassion goes a long way. Ignore residents or individuals who decide to treat you with hostility or aversion.
As long as you know that you are doing your best for the community and for yourself, nothing else should matter.
5. Follow the measures in place
At the end of the day, the proper authorities have your best interest at heart. Rules, especially during such a challenging time, are not made to be broken.Now is not the time to test someone’s patience or even your own immune system. Because if worse comes to worst, it may cost your life.
Final thoughts
The situation not just in the nation, but around the world may look bleaker than ever. But like any other momentous event in the past, whether good or bad, it will come to an end.Take the time to appreciate the little things you miss and look forward to doing it again once we reach the light of this seemingly endless and dark tunnel.
I’m here and I’m rooting for you. And I truly can’t wait for the day we can celebrate in numbers and embrace each other in pure gratitude and love.
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