Many people are choosing to be more cautious as they move around in the world today. COVID-19 has changed grocery stores and shopping malls into potential hazards to your health. Keeping yourself safe while still being able to enjoy life outside your home isn’t as hard as you might think. Here are a few tips to help you ward off hand germs while out in public.
Use Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill most germs but have a brief window of protection. While the exact length of protection is debated, it is generally accepted that a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol will protect your hands from germs for 2 minutes. Immediately after touching any surface, you should clean your hands with sanitizer to protect yourself.
Avoid Your Eyes and Mouth
Before germs can make you sick, they need to find a path into your body. Most often, this is through a warm, moist opening, such as your eyes, nose, or mouth. While out in public, attempt to avoid unnecessarily touching your face. If you have an itch that must be scratched, consider washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before touching your face to reduce the risk of transferring germs.
Change Clothes
After you come home from running errands, consider changing out of your clothes. Especially if you sat on public transportation or brushed up against anything, you may transfer germs into your home that could live on the services for a few days. You can reduce your risk of exposure to these germs by carefully removing clothing and placing it directly into the washing machine.
Protecting yourself from germs in public spaces requires some attention to detail. However, you can use these tips to reduce your risk of exposure to germs that could make you ill.