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Titilola Babatunde
It is the year 2022, and the Covid-19 virus is still here. With a new variant springing up at the tail end of 2021, the fight against the pandemic continues. Operations have resumed at all levels, but it is yet to be the same for everyone. In the wake of new cases every day, preventing the spread of the virus is a crucial role everyone must play. Prevention from homes will significantly reduce the spread of the virus nationwide. Households should ensure adherence to the preventive measures becomes a daily habit.
Covid-19 pandemic is far from over
It has been months after the covid-19 pandemic struck the world. Developed countries least expected are having their share of the pandemic. For African countries like Nigeria, bad public health systems, poor transportation, and overcrowding contribute to the spread of the virus. The recent discovery of Omicron, a new variant of the Covid-19, shows that the pandemic is far from over. What have we gathered about the Omicron variant so far?
What is the Covid-19 Omicron Variant?
The variant B.1.1529, called Omicron, was discovered in South Africa in December 2021. The World Health Organization declared it a variant of concern on December 26, 2021, causing worldwide panic. There has not been much information on the new variant, but studies show it has several mutations. UNICEF recorded that Omicron spreads faster compared to other variants of the virus. The general public should know that all variants of Covid-19 can cause the death of infected persons. Keeping the preventative measures outlined by health bodies is necessary to prevent household and community spread.
How Parents can prevent Covid-19 spread at Homes
News about Covid-19 and the Omicron variant is spreading daily. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control has recorded 248,732 confirmed cases and 3,085 deaths as of January 11, 2022. Preventing the infection among families is one way to stop the community spread of the virus, which does not make the headlines like before. Keeping the virus out of homes requires intentional efforts from parents. Here are the things families can do to prevent the virus from ever entering.
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Enlighten the Young Ones
Parents are advised to update their children on the Covid-19 happenings. With increasing cases, circulating knowledge about the virus helps the young ones see the need to keep the preventive measures. Parents owe their children that much.
Get the Vaccine
One of the best steps to prevent Covid-19 spread during this period is to get vaccinated. There are rumours of travellers paying to get fake Covid-19 test certificates. This act endangers them and everyone around them. Parents who are yet to be vaccinated should get the vaccine and ensure other family members do the same. Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is a duty every member of the public must fulfil.
Use Nose Masks Outdoor (Especially in a High-Risk Environment)
Use nose masks if you live in a high-risk setting that makes you and your household exposed to Covid-19 infection. Ensure the weave in the nose mask is tight enough and light is not coming through it. The use of nose masks or face covers outdoors should be made compulsory for all family members.
Provide Hand Sanitizers
Provide hand sanitisers for use at home. The virus can survive on surfaces, making every surface in your home a potential carrier. Encourage the habit of handwashing at intervals to prevent picking the virus from surfaces like doorknobs and light switches. Everyone should wash their hands when they return home.
Daily Habits for Visitors
Encourage them to Sanitize their Hands
Provide hand sanitisers for visitors. They should sanitize their hands before touching anything in your home. If alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not handy, make soap and water available.
Disinfect Common Surfaces
Disinfect surfaces that your visitors touch during their visit. This applies to the members of the family too. Occasional disinfection of common surfaces like doorknobs, remote control, and light switches prevent contracting the virus. Clean dirty surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting.
The virus can spread in outdoor gatherings and indoor events that involve close contact. While it may be impossible to avoid contact with others, avoiding touching the eyes, mouth, and noise can prevent spread. Whether at home or outdoors, avoid unwarranted touching of these body parts.
Covid-19 Testing
Finally, every household should track their health. Proper monitoring can reveal Covid-19 symptoms. General symptoms of the infection include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulty. Cases should be reported to the appropriate authorities, and other members should enter a quarantine period. The government has also provided Covid-19 testing at designated hospitals and testing centres.
