The world has come to a standstill with the ongoing pandemic settling in as the new normal. Our lives have changed drastically. Many of us have lost jobs, college primes, and the quality of life we previously enjoyed. We’re in 2021, with the impending doom of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic looming above our heads. However, precautions are still required.
Many countries have still imposed loose lockdowns and quarantine periods due to the rapid mutation of the virus. In such situations, it becomes all the more important to follow some codes of safety. From P2 masks to body hygiene, there is a list of must-haves recommended by doctors to combat this pandemic. This is imperative to remain safe and keep others safe as well.
A list of essentials you should have:
- Masks: These are the most important in the list of essentials. Now that many countries have relaxed lockdown rules, people have started going out again. The older lifestyle of business, party and recreation outdoors is slowly returning. But the perils of the virus still exist, and if not vaccinated, we pose a vulnerability of contraction. To prevent this, we need to don masks. P2 masks are the most widely used and produced (in areas of Melbourne) masks in Australia. These are the best fit for people exposed to moderate risk conditions. The perks of the mask include:
- They follow the Australian Safety Standards (AS/NZS 1716:2012)
- They have a 95% filter performance with a Sodium Chloride test agent.
- They need less than 1% to clear CO2.
- They can filter out fine particles in the air.
- They are easily disposable.
These masks have a very specific way of being worn to ensure maximum safety. They also have specific dispose of / reuse standards that need to be followed. P1 and P3 masks are other variants of this kind. But P2 masks are most widely used as they can also be bulk ordered in the workplace or industrial supply. They have also been manufactured on a large scale–Australian markets regularly manufacture about 2.5 million masks due to the pandemic.
- Sanitisers: Alcohol-based sanitisers are the doctor’s recommendation for maximum safety. These need to be carried around whenever there is a chance of getting in contact with external surfaces or being exposed to pathogens (like in a hospital condition). These need to be applied in optimal amounts before and after coming in contact with potent surfaces. Furthermore, too much sanitiser can cause skin itching or dryness, so judicious use is advised. When in a familiar environment, like a home setting, people are suggested to use the hand wash instead of using a sanitiser.
- Steam Inhalers: These are a must-have at home. Steam helps purify the air you breathe and, in that process, helps you get rid of the particles (may or may not be pathogenic) that you might have inhaled while you were outdoors. These also tend to increase general resistance against external particles and make your immunity a little better.
- Vitamin supplements: Immunity is what is majorly important during such an extreme situation. Previously, we seldom paid attention to our immunity beyond a common cold or fever. But with the current situation at hand, we are at serious risk of contracting the CoV-SARS virus if we have poor immunity. Accredited vitamin supplements from your trusted pharmacies are extremely important in fortifying your immunity against this virus.
