Negros Occidental and Bacolod City have mandated the continuous wearing of face masks and frequent hand washing in the fight against Covid-19. Governor Bong Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued separate orders about the mandatory wearing of face masks in the province.
Wearing of Face Masks
Some people do not like the wearing of face masks because of many reasons. It can be because it’s hot, it ruins make-up, it makes them smell their breath, or it makes them look sick.
In our case, we are usually ready with face masks whether there is a Covid-19 epidemic or not because of our allergic rhinitis.
Now, government officials are making the wearing of face masks as a mandatory precaution to prevent the spread of this virus. Please take heed.
Meanwhile, some doctors are urging people to keep wearing masks even after the quarantine period is over. There is still no vaccine and cure against Covid-19 so let’s stay safe.
If You Don’t Have Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are hard to come by these days. They are out of stock and now generally more expensive than they were before. So this is what the the Bacolod government is suggesting — reusable face masks, cloth masks, even bandannas. These are still safer than going out in public without a protective face mask.
Frequent Handwashing
We are now advised not to shake hands, hug, or kiss. Additionally, it is recommended that we maintain a safe distance from another person when we meet them. So no more beso-beso among friendships and even relatives! It’s for our safety and survival.
However, frequent handwashing is still recommended to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other diseases. We should properly wash hands in times like these:
- Before and after meals
- After using the toilet
- After handling money
- When arriving home
- After handling pets or after gardening
- After cooking
- After handling fresh produce
Proper Handwashing
Meanwhile, below are the steps for proper handwashing.
- Wet hands with clean, running water.
- Use soap and lather the front and back of the hands. Reach between fingers and even under fingernails.
- Scrub hands together for at least 20 seconds. Reciting the ABCs twice is already 20 seconds.
- Rinse hands well under running water.
- Air dry the hands or use a clean towel.
When Will Covid-19 End?
We don’t know when Covid-19 will end. This is a worldwide pandemic and in other countries, the numbers grow each day. Probably when there is a vaccine for it. It can be in a couple of months or another year.
For now, all we can do is to prevent it from infecting our families and to stay healthy. Maintain wearing of face masks and wash hands frequently. Eat well, take vitamin supplements, get enough rest, and maintain clean air in your home. Here’s how: Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Honestly, we should still not panic but we should be careful. Worrying and panicking will not help us. Rather, we should be practical and alert in times like these.
Proper hygiene & following safety protocols is a must to fight Covid-19.