What to do if there’s a COVID-19 case in your apartment building?

COVID-19, a nightmare for one and all. Moreover, for people living in apartments who always dread the fact that someone from their apartment might be affected by the virus. It feels like you are living in such close proximity; you just want to get away, but you cannot. And it feels like you are going to get the virus yourself and maybe spread it to others if you stay.

So what should you do? Relocate? Or just stay in your current apartment and follow the guidelines they put forth by the healthcare authorities regarding staying safe in apartments.

1. Do not panic

The panic and misinformation out in the streets are causing more mayhem than the virus ever will. The virus can spread before symptoms start to show. The good news is most people will be fine; the only responsibility we have is to prevent it from getting to vulnerable hosts. The uncertainty about the life-threatening coronavirus has given rise to a buzz of public anxiety. So if you find yourself starting to get worked up and overwhelmed at the thought of COVID-19, you are not alone.

2. Contact the doctor

If you see any symptoms pertaining to COVID-19, contact the medical experts immediately without leaving your home through the telemedicine services. The doctor will advise you on whether to go for COVID-19 testing.

If the patient has underlying health conditions like cardiac conditions, diabetes, asthma, lung or kidney related illnesses that put them at higher risk for fatality, the doctor will also be able to weigh in on which medications they should and should not be taken and how they will need to adjust their lifestyle, including what kind of vital symptoms you should monitor as the illness progresses.

3. Stay informed and listen to local health departments 

It is advised that people should remain updated and take information from the healthcare authorities, while also monitoring information from local authorities. Immediately notify and contact the local health department or more guidance regarding appropriate measures to take.

These changes will affect your daily routine definitely but remember it is for your own good. Stay aware of the information regarding COVID-19.

4. Practice everyday preventive basics

Keep practicing things like washing your hands and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue can be very helpful in fighting with COVID-19. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and wash hands with soap and water. People should also clean surfaces that are frequently touched. Poorly ventilated buildings can put people at an increased risk for the virus, too. You may want to avoid these places, even if it is your own apartment building.

5. Avoid crowded places and try working from home

Staying home when an outbreak is happening in your community means working from home and avoiding popular areas. You do not have to cut yourself off from public life, but vigilance is key. The experts also advise that high-risk groups in communities with outbreaks stay home as much as possible, and those who are sick should isolate themselves. And it’s necessary to wash your hands before, during, and after a trip out into the world.

6. Stock up on groceries, toiletries, and medicines

It is recommended to keep enough groceries and toiletries on hand that may last for a prolonged period of time, but one should empathize with others and not hoard unnecessarily. Consider calling ahead for an extra month or two of medicine for those on prescription medicines. Experts also advise storing over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, and throat lozenges. A daily multivitamin is also a good idea to stock up on so you are able to get those essential minerals and vitamins if your food choices are limited.

7. Self-isolating is necessary

Self-isolation involves protecting others and slowing COVID-19 spread. It is essential that anyone who has, or may have been exposed to the virus limits the number of people with whom they come into contact for fourteen days. That is the most effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It is recommended to stay in touch with others by phone, video chat, text messages, especially those with a chronic medical condition and living alone.

8. Disinfect surfaces often

Make sure you are cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in your home daily. This includes remote controls, doorknobs, kitchen counters, appliances, bathroom surfaces, and your phone. Use disinfectants to stay protected against the coronavirus.

9. Caring for pets

There is no evidence that pet animals can contract or spread COVID-19. But to be safe, make sure that your pet has been administered with all the vital vaccines. Give it a shower with deworming soap once every week. If it is time for a veterinary visit, postpone it unless it’s an emergency. If you have a dog, walk your dog inside the apartment every day and request all dog-owners in the housing society to do the same.

People in housing societies can protect themselves from coronavirus if they follow the guidelines strictly. They should stay home and maintain high standards of personal hygiene to safeguard their health.