Coronavirus has created havoc around the globe as the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. There is a heap of information roaming around in news and on social media. there is no shortage of advice, instructions, and stories based either on self experiences or shared by others. Advice about self-isolation and self-quarantine are commonly available but many have ambiguity about the practical measures required for "self-isolation" if it is required.
People such as international students can hardly afford to live in standalone houses. Those who share accommodation and having a suspicion of an then they should take some immediate actions to keep themselves isolated while still living in sharing accommodation with mates. Practical aspects of self-quarantine having more ambiguity especially for those living in sharing accommodation.
What you have to do if you need to keep yourself under self-isolation while living in sharing accommodation?
Dr. Afshan Mian is a general practitioner in Melbourne with a special interest in infectious diseases. Her advice is to stop sharing any items that can transmit the infection to others. it could be a towel, lining, laundry, and utensils.
Wearing proper masks, using sanitizer and disposable wipes and separating utensils could be a good start
Other than the common room/lounge and bedroom, bathrooms and kitchens are also two zones that potentially having a high risk of using or touching contaminated items. Toilet seat, flush knob, sink tap, and garbage bin could be the culprits. Commonly shared toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo should be separated.
Dr. Afshan emphasizes on the need for special care when dealing with :
- Visitors
- Roommates
- Family members
A self-quarantine person should inform visitors and others about the status. Avoid contact with visitors, roommates and family members as much as possible. Home delivery of groceries, working/studying/from home and caution when in contact with carers should be part of self-quarantine. Animals and pets could become a carrier and they should be kept away from the isolated person. Fresh air and proper ventilation are other important factors that could impact the isolated person and he/she should avoid the use of a central airconditioning system as much as possible.
Dr. Afshan warns against "overreaction". Fear from the virus is understandable but overreaction could cause unnecessary panic, she added.
Australia mantendrá la orden de 7 días de aislamiento para casos positivos. Source: Getty Images - Vladimir Vladimirov
Health experts also stress the need for managing the psychological impact of self-isolation. published a self quarantined guideline that emphasizes on the need for support of family and friends as vital during the self-isolation period. Feeling distressed and low could impact morale and depressed others as well.
Dr. Afshan Mian also agreed with the importance to keep an isolated person busy during the isolation with positive activities such as reading. "Try not to engage too much with electronic gadgets (mobile, Online devices, TV, etc.)", but take this opportunity to finish up pending tasks such as decluttering video library, etc. , she added.
Concern person can call Coronavirus HOTLINE 1800 022 222
