7 steps you need to take to reduce your risks

1.     Always seek for the newest and up-to-date information
When dealing with force majeure situations in the world the most important thing is to always have all the newest information on hand so that you can make the right choices. You will only be able to make informed decisions if you have all the information either about the existing illness or about the new outbreaks.
Please check the information provided by the official health service providers or statements issued by the government.
Please contact your physician or GP to consult about your situation.

2.     Regularly wash your hands
Personal hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Studies show that warm water is more effective in removing oils which might contain microbes.
It is important to make sure that you clean your hands thoroughly (including between your knuckles, wrists, palms, back of your hand and your fingernails).
During the times when there is a country-wide outbreaks it is important to wash your hands as regularly as possible.

3.     Make sure your hands are clean with the help of alcoholic hand gels.
Antibacterial gels contain alcohol which attacks and destroys envelope protein which surrounds some of the pathogens. In order to effectively destroy microbes, alcohol based hand sanitisers needs to contain at least 60-65% of alcohol inside.
Even though the warm water and soap helps killing the bacteria, alcohol within the antiseptic hand sanitisers is proven to be more effective as the alcohol attacks and destroys envelope protein which is a form of shield that protects the bacteria.
Hand rubs alcohol based are convenient as you don’t need water or soap. Alcohol based disinfectants come in different bottle sizes – it is easy enough to carry it around in your pocked wherever you go. Official health agencies are recommending waterless sanitizers as you can use them whenever it is necessary.

4.     Avoid close contact
Although you can catch germs and bacteria from the surfaces everywhere you go, the most common way the microbes spread is with the help of physical contact.
Do your best to avoid any human contact, do not shake hands in your workplace or with acquaintances, avoid hugging or getting to close to your friends.
WHO recommends keeping at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between each other. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

5.     If you feel ill, seek medical care immediately
If you feel unwell, stay home to avoid getting others infected and to reduce the spread of bacteria. If you have fever, cough or have difficulty breathing seek immediate medical attention. Specialist will evaluate your condition and advise you on the next actions that need to be taken.

6.     Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure that you and the people that are around you follow respiratory hygiene standards. That includes covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, disposing the tissues immediately, washing your hands afterwards.
The best practice to avoid getting ill is to avoid contact with the bacteria.

7.     Protect others
It is important not only to clean but also to disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily using sanitizer liquid. Bacteria, germs and microbes can live on the surfaces up to 12 days. Think of all the surfaces that you touch during the day – that includes tables, light switches, countertops, doorknobs, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, etc.
Most common options for surface disinfection include:
-        Antibacterial sanitisers (Alcohol based solutions).
Ensure the alcohol rub sanitizer has at least 60% alcohol inside as it is proven that alcohol can effectively kill bacteria and germs.
-        Diluted bleach solutions.
You can prepare that yourself by mixing 1/3 of bleach with 2/3 of water. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.