It has only been a few days since Metro Manila has been placed in Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) due to the more contagious nature of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
This particular mutation of the virus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is believed to be more transmissible than the common cold and influenza.
With only essential industries and establishments allowed to operate during ECQ – hospitals, groceries, manufacturing – there are things that we have to keep in mind to make sure that our lives continue to remain relatively normal.
All households are required to stay at home. However, people who are buying essential goods as well as those who are reporting for work in industries allowed to operate are permitted to go out. Curfew is set from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Here are reminders that will help you and your family in getting through the lockdown as we continue to hope for better days.
Keep communication lines open among family members and friends.
Check on the ones who don’t live with you and make sure that they can also easily contact you in case of emergency.
Information is key.
Know where to get reliable news and updates. For general advisories, you can visit the Department of Health website and related social media pages. Join the DOH Viber community so you can also easily share updates.
Media channels including The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and CNN Philippines to name a few are also excellent sources of information.
Revisit medical and health reminders when it comes to avoiding the virus.
This includes constant washing of hands, social distancing, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
The DOH has also created easy-to-understand infographics on COVID-19 safety tips and precautions.
Reevaluate your plan when a family member gets sick.
Everyone in the household should know what to do. It is crucial to remember the locations and contact information of hospitals.
Make sure that your quarantine room is ready.
If anyone in your household gets infected, you should have a space where they can be safely isolated and cared for.
The recent surge of cases has once again burdened hospital resources, and a quarantine room can be an immediate solution for isolation.
Check on your supply of food and necessities.
If there are family members who are taking maintenance medicines, make sure that they have their health supplies as well.
Continue to disinfect high-touch surfaces, doorknobs, handles, and light switches.
A study from The New England Journal of Medicine has shown that the COVID-19 virus can linger in the air and surfaces for hours.
Stay active and fit while staying indoors.
A few days into the lockdown, Metro Manila mayors have agreed to prohibit residents from going out of their homes for exercise during the entirety of the ECQ.
However, even if you are stuck at home, you can still work out.
There are excellent apps that can guide you through days of yoga, barre, HIIT, or pilates.
You can check out Shred, FitOn, Keelo, and Forte if you are keen on doing a workout routine.
Review your health insurance policies and find out whether COVID-19 is covered.
Check as well if teleconsultation and telemedicine are covered. This will help ease your mind during the lockdown.
Have cash on hand.
Unforeseen circumstances may require that you pay for things in cash. However, if possible, choose to pay online to lessen contact and exposure to the virus.
Do not take your mental health for granted.
There are many ways to keep you and your family occupied. From eating a well-balanced diet, home workouts, to spontaneous video calls with friends, there’s always something you can do to give your mental health a boost.
Let’s remember what we’ve learned from the previous community quarantines. While it’s an ongoing effort to adjust to the new normal, it’s easier now that almost everything can be done online.
Involving everyone in the family in trying to make sure that your household stays safe is the best that we can do during this challenging time.
A strong internet connection is important in navigating your new normal day-to-day life. With Smart 5G, you’ll always have the fastest connection to access the latest news and entertainment online.
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