The Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on our country, economy, and most importantly, our health. Since the first confirmed US case was reported on January 21, 2020, there have been a total of 25,301,166 cases and 423,519 deaths from the virus. States around the country have implemented lockdowns and other measures to slow the spread. Additionally, health authorities have issued updated guidance on how to protect yourself and others during the pandemic. While vaccines are being introduced, sneeze guards, masks, social distancing, and hand washing can help mitigate the chances of contracting and transmitting COVID-19.
MASKS
Going to crowded places and using public transportation are considered high-risk activities. If you need to go out in public, the first option for protecting yourself is to wear a mask. Masks create a barrier and prevent respiratory droplets containing the virus from being inhaled. The CDC recommends that anyone over the age of two should wear a mask in public. The effectiveness of a mask is increased when it is worn while staying at least six feet away from people you do not live with. If someone in your home has been infected, it’s also a good idea to wear a mask at home. Masks should be worn securely on your face and should cover your mouth and nose.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Since the virus normally spreads between individuals who are in close contact with each other, the next recommendation is to keep six feet or two arm lengths between you and others. If you are in public or inside your home and someone is sick, social distancing can prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Keep in mind that it may be possible for people without symptoms to spread the virus. Social distancing is even more useful when you are around people who are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. They include older adults and people with preexisting medical conditions.
In addition to social distancing there are also places you should try and avoid during the pandemic. Avoid high-risk environments such as bars, gyms, restaurants, theaters, and poorly ventilated places. If you must be present, try to open as many doors and windows as possible to allow fresh air inside.
HAND WASHING
If you are out in public or you are returning home, it is very important to wash your hands as frequently as possible. Use soap and water and wash your hands for at least twenty seconds. If water and soap are not available, you can use hand sanitizer. Make sure that it contains a minimum of sixty percent alcohol. Also, always avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.
The most critical times to wash your hands are:
- After sneezing, blowing your nose, and coughing
- Before preparing food and eating
- Before touching your face
- After you use the bathroom
- Before and after you touch your mask
- When you leave a public place
- After you have been in contact with someone that is sick
- After changing a diaper
- Whenever you have had contact with pets
COUGHING AND SNEEZING
The Coronavirus spreads whenever infected respiratory droplets are transmitted through the air after someone infected by the virus coughs, sneezes, talks, or blows their nose. With that being said, be sure to cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. You should use tissues and throw them away immediately, but you can also cover your face with your elbow in a pinch.
SNEEZE GUARDS
Under the CDC’s published Public Health Activity Guidance, the CDC recommends that businesses should install sneeze guards and physical barriers between customers and employees. Whenever you are out and about, always position yourself behind a sneeze guard. This is important if you are engaging with an employee from a business or if you are out to eat and sitting close to another table or booth. Sneeze guards are physical barriers that block the transmission of respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19. A sneeze guard can be identified as a clear piece of glass or plastic placed in-between areas where interactions and transactions occur. Taking advantage of sneeze guards will give you additional protection whenever you are out in public.
There is hope on the horizon as vaccines are being introduced around the country. In the meantime, there are preventative measures you can take to help protect yourself from contracting COVID-19. You can slow the spread by wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands, and using sneeze guards. If your business needs protective barriers or sneeze guards, Glass Inc. can help. The experienced glass shop makes standard and custom-size guards and has installed them all around Atlanta during the pandemic. If you have questions about sneeze guards or would like to place an order for your business, give us a call today.
#SneezeGuards #GlassInc #COVID19 #Coronavirus
Read more articles
When you think about it, storefront windows are one of the most important architectural features of any public-facing company's building.
When you think about it, storefront windows are one of the most important architectural features of any public-facing company's building.
When you think about it, storefront windows are one of the most important architectural features of any public-facing company's building.
