The Coronavirus cases in the country are on the rise, and information in the public domain from experts suggest that it will only peak in India in June or July. Few states are badly affected, and few cities more so. For example, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, etc. seem to coping with huge numbers of positive cases. So administrations are dealing with a crisis in multiple ways. They are sealing the areas where the numbers are more. However, considering the highly sensitive nature of the situation, wherein for many it has become a choice between life and livelihood, they have also started easing the restrictions.
With this step, the onus of personal safety resides in every individual and extreme care should be taken. The bottom line remains that if you are above 60 years and suffer from any conditions like diabetes, heart disease, etc. then you should avoid going out, unless essential. All home deliveries are working well by now, and you can order in the same. If you need to visit a doctor for any emergency, please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Carry a sanitizer and clean your hands often. Do not touch your face, and it is preferable if you could take a shower immediately once you are back home and put the clothes for washing. But there are certain other precautions that you need to take, for the items that you get home-delivered, just to be on the safe side.
Vegetables and Milk Packets
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Thoroughly cleaning vegetables was always a necessity, and Coronavirus situation is only helping emphasize this. Most vegetables come with pesticides nowadays and washing that off was necessary. So, please wash the vegetables a couple of times in potable water. It if better if you can wash them with hot water, or hot water with salt. That will help sanitize the vegetables almost fully. Many people have started washing vegetables with soap and detergent, which is not needed. Moreover, detergent gets stuck on vegetables unless thoroughly cleaned and it can lead to more health issues.
Also, it is best to avoid eating raw vegetables for some time now and ensure that these are cooked properly. If by any chance, you are stepping out to buy vegetables, please wear gloves and wash them once you are home. At home, when washing vegetables also, you may wear gloves to be on the safe side. Store all vegetables only after washing and pat drying them. Milk Packets should be dipped in soap solution for a while and then washed with hot water, before they are stored in the refrigerator. Even if you are using the milk immediately, please do not pour it into containers, without first washing the packets.
Newspaper and currency notes
All newspapers have put out information in the public domain saying that they are safe, and their agents and delivery boys are following all procedures. However, there are digital versions of all newspapers available, just in case you feel it is safer to switch to those for a few months. The Government of India had issued notifications to all banks during mid March, to encourage their customers to avoid cash and use digital payment methods instead. However, if you use currency, you need to wash your thoroughly after every use. Keep sanitizing your hands and avoid touching your face if you cannot wash or sanitize your hands immediately.
Accepting home deliveries
WHO has mentioned that it is safe to receive a package even from an area where COVID-19 has been reported. Their information for public say “The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low”. However, it is better to take precautions. Here is what you can do.
1. Wear masks and gloves while accepting deliveries and maintain social distancing.
2. It is best if you can leave a tray outside for them to drop the package and you can retrieve them later, to ensure zero-touch policy.
3. If the packet is washable, wash it in running water. If not unpack and discard cartons/boxes immediately and sanitize the contents.
