SELF-ISOLATING

For Individuals Staying Alone

It is well understood that being cut off from one’s normal life can be emotionally and mentally stressful. One way in which one can cope with this stress is to understand that certain events are beyond their control, and knowing that being away from the people and things they love is only TEMPORARY.

Try to follow the Doctor’s prescriptions, eat well, engage in regular exercise, drink enough fluids, open your windows for better ventilation, use less fan, and gest as much rest as possible.

Remember that you are not alone in this situation. The whole world is in it together! Regardless of their health status, most people are stuck at home either on lockdown or in isolation.

Looking for a way to make the most of it is the best way to go. Here are a few activities you may consider engaging in while isolating:

• Reach out to friends, family and other social support networks
• Complete those tasks you always wanted to do but was to busy for e.g declutter your room, clean out your closet, clean and dust those corners of the room/house.
• Spend time cooking an elaborate meal
• Read a book from start to finish
• Learn something new – it could be anything.
• Join an online class, or learn a new skill.
• Schedule a screen detox: schedule a number of hours daily where you turn off your phone and try to engage in other activities to distract you from using your phone.
• Start a gratitude journal – write down the things you are grateful for daily, and at the end of the week, read your journal so far.
• Rest well because it is only a matter of time of time before we all set back to the norm.

For Those Living with Other People/In A Shared House

It can be really difficult if you live with other people, especially when you have a small space. Regardless however, it can be managed in some of the following ways;

• Limiting contact with infected person is key, and if you are the infected one, limit contact with others around the house
• Do not share dishes, drinking and eating utensils, towels, beddings or other items.
• Wash the items thoroughly after use
• If you must share bathrooms or other spaces, ensure to properly clean the surfaces of those spaces and sanitize properly
• Clothes and beddings that have been contaminated with bodily fluids should be disposed after use.
• Gloves and masks should be worn at all times by everyone in the house
• Washing of hands should be done frequently by everyone in the house
• Plenty of fluids should taken, rest well and ventilate the home properly
• Regularly clean surfaces with diluted bleach or methylated spirit

For Caregivers

If you are caring for someone with COVID-19 who is isolating at home, follow these essential advices to protect yourself and others around.

• Help the sick person follow their doctor’s instructions for medicines and feeding.
• Make sure the infected person takes a lot of fluid
• Help them go grocery shopping and get other items they may need. (Consider passing the items to them in the safest way possible
• Ensure they rest well and remain in a well-ventilated environment with less use of fan and air conditioning
• Have their doctor’s number on hand for emergencies.
• Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with them
• Always put on your face mask and hand gloves when receiving or passing items to them
• Also follow the key advice of eating healthy (including fruits and vegetables), drinking lots of fluids and engaging in exercise