5 Simple Ways to Keep Safe During the Second Wave

Coronavirus cases have been on the rise in the UK, so it is more important than ever to keep safe so you can avoid catching it and keep others around you safe. While these tips aren’t 100% guaranteed to prevent you from catching the virus, they do greatly lower your risk. Remember, if you’re showing symptoms, make sure you self- isolate and book a test. For tips on keeping safe when travelling, you can read my post here.

Remember to also keep up to date with the news and .gov website, so you can find out important updates about local restrictions and social distancing measures. For instance, the Government could announce some Tier 2 areas could go into Tier 3 within a space of a few hours…

Remember Hands. Cover. Space

HANDS

Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more/ use hand sanitiser regularly. Avoid touching your face if you haven’t cleaned your hands beforehand. For hand sanitiser to be effective against Coronavirus, it must have at least 60% alcohol content.

COVER

Wear your face covering/ face mask in indoor settings such as shops, public attractions, and public transport. It’s a legal requirement. If you don’t, you could be asked to leave, or face being fined. Also wear in crowded environments, and when interacting with people who aren’t from your household or bubble. You can find out more information on the .gov site.

SPACE

Keep 1m+ apart from people outside of your household/ bubble to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.

Use the NHS App

The NHS App can now be downloaded on iOS and Android phones. You can find out information about different areas (e.g. Tiers), use Test and Trace, and seek advice if you’re showing symptoms of Coronavirus. Many venues now have QR code posters which you must scan before entering, so you can use the NHS App to do this.

If you’re showing symptoms of Coronavirus, you can use the Symptom Checker to see if you require a test kit. The app also has advice on how to self- isolate. The main symptoms to look out for are cough, fever, and loss of taste/ smell.

Practise good hygiene

• Regularly wiping down gadgets such as your phone using alcohol wipes
• Regularly wiping down surfaces such as tables using alcohol wipes and Dettol spray
• Avoid shaking hands, hi 5, and fist bumps.
• Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily when outdoors.
• Cough/ sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.

Follow social distancing guidelines at venues

• Make sure you adhere to one- way systems, so you can avoid coming into contact with others.
• Keep 1m+ apart from others and avoid areas that have been closed off.
• Always sanitise/ wash hands when you go in and leave.
• Follow basic hygiene such as coughing/ sneezing into your elbow.
• Hospitality places such as restaurants are now subjected to a 10pm curfew. Last thing you want to do is turn up at 9:30pm only to have to go back home, so make sure you plan ahead.

Meet up outdoors, instead of indoors

It is safer to meet up outdoors, as it minimises the risk of touching infected surfaces. But this is only the case if you follow social distancing guidelines by maintaining 1m+. Remember to follow the law of only meeting in groups of 6 or less.