Essential workers (Nurses, Grocery Workers, Instacart and Delivery Drivers, etc.) don’t the option of sheltering in place the way the rest of us do, and most of them, and their families, are worried about the possible spread of coronavirus into the home. It’s a valid concern. Essential workers have to go out every day into the world and interact with people and objects, and there’s no telling what the virus may be on. It sounds sensational, but that’s the world we live in right now. Today, we’re going to talk about the steps that essential workers can take to help reduce the possibility of bringing this virus into the home when they return from work.
How Essential Workers can Reduce the Risk of Bringing Coronavirus Into the Home
Of course, frequent handwashing and keeping your hands away from your face are two of the best ways to help prevent exposure to the virus while you’re at work or getting essential supplies, there are other steps you need to take to help reduce the risk of bringing the virus into the home when you return. This head-to-toe list will help reduce the likelihood that any of the virus hitches a ride on you and into your home.
Take Off Your Shoes
Take off your shoes while outside your home. We often forget that our shoes come into contact with whatever might be on the floor or ladders, steps, and the like all day long. Removing shoes first help keep whatever is on the bottom of your shoes out of your house.
Spray Alcohol on Everything
Before entering your home, spray alcohol on everything – literally everything. Spray the tops and bottoms of your shoes, as well as your clothing, cell phone. glasses, keys, work utensils and lunch containers, your tablet, or anything else that you brought home from work. Upon opening your door, spray alcohol on your doorknob, as well.
Throw Away All Paper
Unless it’s a vital piece of paperwork, throw it out. All receipts, scratch paper, and the like should go in the garbage. It’s one less thing to harbor the bacteria, and you won’t use any of it anyway.
Go Directly to the Laundry Room
Immediately go to your laundry room, take off your clothes, and put them in the washer. Remember, we’re trying to eliminate exposure risk. Putting your clothing directly in the washer prevents possible cross-contamination to other clothing in the hamper, the hamper itself, or another person who would pick up your clothing for washing.
Don’t Touch Anything
Go directly to the laundry room means just that. Don’t touch anything else. Don’t sit on any furniture. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Go immediately to the laundry room, touching absolutely nothing if possible.
Clean Up Immediately
From your laundry room head immediately to the bathroom. Shower, brush your teeth and gargle with an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill any germs on your body or in your mouth.
Essential Workers Can Protect Their Families with These Steps
I won’t claim this list will fully protect your family. No one and nothing can claim that. However, with this list, essential workers can drastically reduce the possibility of bring coronavirus into the home. It’s all about prevention with this virus, and taking these steps will help you do everything you can to ensure that the virus doesn’t make its way into your home if you’re forced to go out, whether it be for work or essential supplies.
