Living with one's family and spending time with them is routine for most of us, but in the context of a highly contagious pandemic, it can be worrisome. In a multi-generational joint family, social distancing can be a logistical task. But if someone has a mild/pre-symptomatic/asymptomatic case of COVID-19, precautions need to be taken until they test negative.
Do's
- Wear a triple-layer medical mask, which should be discarded, after disinfection, after eight hours of use or earlier if it gets wet or visibly soiled. Both the patient and the caregiver should wear masks when they interact.
- Assign the patient a room and a bathroom away from others at home, especially the elderly and those with comorbidities.
- Take care of self; eat and drink properly and follow respiratory and hand hygiene protocols.
- Keep the assigned room clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched by the patient.
- Follow medical advice and monitor the health conditions of the patient and family members. Keep the medical authorities updated about any changes.
- Use of disposable gloves by the caregivers while handling the patient and their belongings (clothing and bed linen) and maintaining hand hygiene both before and after coming into contact with the patient and their immediate environment.
- Provide the patient with food in their assigned room, and their utensils should be thoroughly cleaned and can be re-used again.
- Dispose of the waste as per government guidelines.
Don'ts
- Avoid sharing personal items with each other.
- Avoid touching one’s own face, nose, or mouth
- Avoid direct contact with patient's body fluids, primarily, oral, or respiratory secretions.
If staying in one room or area of the home by yourself and using an exclusive washroom is not possible, you can keep away from those at home who are most at risk. If living in the same space cannot be avoided or there are a larger number of people in the household, it is important to wear a mask, practise hand hygiene and keep a physical distance of six feet from everyone.
