Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic, every country has taken many steps to control the spreading of COVID-19. Self-quarantine is one and the most important step that we can follow to control the spreading of COVID-19. With the current data, medical experts introduced an incubation period for COVID-19.
Incubation period means the time between infecting the virus and beginning to show the symptoms. According to the current data, the incubation period of COVID-19 is 2 weeks. That means the period of COVID-19 infected people takes around 14 days to show the symptoms. But during the incubation period, there is a higher risk of transmitting the virus from one to another.
95829 people have survived after being infected with the coronavirus. The virus has spread to more than 188 countries, with 308603 confirmed cases and 13069 deaths
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 available as of now. boosting your immune system will help you to fight with virus
Therefore, self-quarantine or self-isolation is important.
Does everyone need to self-quarantine?
No, everyone does not need to self-quarantine. But, self-quarantine is compulsory for the ones who are believed to be exposed to COVID-19. Self-quarantine prevents community transmission of COVID-19.
If you have been overseas, closely associating a person who is confirmed or suspected to have been infected with COVID-19 in the last two weeks, self-quarantine is compulsory. You should go under self-quarantine even if you are feeling well but you were abroad or interacted with someone who is infected with COVID-19.
Don’t take self-quarantine as a punishment, but a responsibility.
Because you don’t have to be a carrier of COVID-19, for the sake of your family and loving ones, you should stay at home.
If you need to buy essential stuff, wear a mask when you go outside. always follow the safe travel guide
If you were abroad or had close contact with COVID-19 in the last 14 days and are feeling unwell, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Guideline for self-quarantine in non-healthcare settings
Allocate a separate room
If someone has been overseas or suspecting infected COVID-19, allocate them a separate room until they confirm the situation. The room should have better ventilation. Family members should stay in a separate room without contacting the suspected one. Don’t let others go inside the room when someone is under self-quarantine. Don’t leave the room when you are under self-quarantine.
Allocate a separate bathroom
Don’t let the suspect person use the same bathroom during self-quarantine. Allocate them a separate bathroom and disinfect the bathroom after each time they use it. If there are no such facilities and you all have to use the same bathroom, remember to disinfect the door handles, taps and other utensils using an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap. The alcohol percentage of disinfectant should be more than 70%.
Maintain one-meter distance
When someone is under self-quarantine, maintain at least one-meter distance between other family members. Keeping the distance can control the transmission of COVID-19 from one to another.
Limit visitors
During this COVID-19 outbreak, every country took many measures to control the spreading of the virus. Therefore limiting the visitors to your home is necessary. When someone is under self-quarantine, don’t let outsiders contact the suspect.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water. Washing hands is so important because new research found that coronavirus is airborne. So, coronavirus can be spread by aerosol transmission too.
Since they can stay live even for days on some surfaces, you can accidentally touch coronavirus. Therefore washing hands is much needed. Wash your hands at least for 20 seconds. Since soap can kill the virus, washing hands is an effective method to control infecting COVID-19 from the suspect.
Don’t touch your face, mouth or nose
You should avoid touching your face, mouth or nose with unwashed hands. If you are where hand washing facilities are inadequate, you can still use a hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Hand sanitizer should be alcohol-based one. Alcohol percentage should be above 70%.
Use disposable utensils when having foods
Use disposable cups and plates to have foodstuff. Dispose of them into bins after use. Don’t use the same utensils with the suspect. Don’t share anything.
While you are in self-quarantine and if you start feeling unwell or developing symptoms like fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory illness, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. You must report your travel history to relevant authorities to prepare further safety measures.
If you complete your 14-day self-quarantine without any symptoms, you are free to do your usual activities.
How to reduce anxiety while you are in self-quarantine?
While you are under self-quarantine, you might feel anxious. Don’t worry, this is not going to last long. Don’t be anxious and stressed. Try to spend quality time.
Here some tips to reduce the anxiety and stress while you are in self-quarantine.
Work from home
If possible, arrange to work from home. Working can help to spend your day without boredom.
Keep in touch with your loved ones.
You can use social media or phone calls to interact with your family members, friends and relations. Talk with them. Sharing your ideas can reduce your anxiety.
Exercise
You can exercise while you are under self-quarantine. Regular exercises can boost your immunity as well. Rather than boosting immunity, exercises can reduce your stress too.
Engage in your favourite hobby
Now you are totally free. You have enough time to engage in hobbies once you skip because you were super busy. So, if you love to read, read something or do whatever you want to do.
Learn a new skill
Self-quarantine is not going to last long. Spend your time learning some new skills like drawing, or a new language.
Self-quarantine is your responsibility. Don’t skip it. Be safe.
