Keeping Safe in During the Coronavirus Scare: How to Self-Isolate the Right Way


News of the coronavirus is sparking massive changes in how people act, especially towards other people. It has also given people a new perspective on hygiene and safety and the importance of basic practices like handwashing.  Another popular method to help reduce the chances of infection is self-isolation, which has been shown to be effective in avoiding the spread of the disease. If you are thinking about self-isolating, read on to know how to do this the right way.

Do you need to self-isolate?

The first step is knowing if you belong to a group that needs to self-isolate.  You may need to do this if you have symptoms and you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, if you have had close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, if you just came home from traveling, or if you have the symptoms but have not been tested yet.

Designate a room that you can use for self-isolation.

The essence of self-isolation is to physically remove yourself from the rest of the people in the house so that they are not exposed to the virus that you may be carrying. This means that you need to pick out a room in the house you stay inside for 14 days or more. Self-isolation also means using measures to disinfect the entrance to your room. Keep a disinfectant spray, masks and gloves at the entrance to your room so that they're always handy if you need to go out, or if someone needs to go inside your room. You can also self-isolate elsewhere if there is no space in your home. You can check in to a hotel and set up health and safety measures there to make sure that hotel staff are not exposed to the virus that you may have.

Get every member of the family on board

Self-isolation is definitely easier to do if you live alone, but if you live with your family or you have housemates, you have to let everyone know that this is what you are planning to do. This is the only way to ensure that people in the house can follow your self-isolation rules, especially if you live in a house and share common areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Doing this also ensures that they can help you get supplies when you need them.

Know what to expect

Self-isolation can bring out feelings of loneliness for many people, especially those who are not used to staying by themselves for long periods of time. It is important to know what to expect, including the changes in mood and feelings that happen when you stay isolated for days at a time. Expecting boredom and all its associated mood changes can also help you arrange activities that can keep you occupied. For example, you can arrange phone or video calls with family or friends on a regular basis to alleviate those feelings of loneliness and isolation that you are bound to feel.

The spread of new diseases can lead to panic, more so if you think that you may have the disease. Knowing what to do next can help you keep a clear head as you take the necessary steps to protect your loved ones and the greater public from exposure to the coronavirus or any other disease.