Unlock 1.0: Essential Information You Need to Know

The outbreak of coronavirus had disrupted the entire world. For months, we have stayed locked inside our houses. But now, with the lockdown lifted, we are marching towards unlock 1.0.

Just like the ambiguity around the virus, the safety protocols, treatment and care, the confusion persists around the concept of going back to normal. 

‘What to do? And what not to do? Is it even safe to step out? Do we have medicine? Should we send the kids to school?’ These and many such questions are storming my messenger ever since the government announced unlock 1.0.

The government protocols spoke about what’s allowed and what’s not. But there is no clarity on what’s safe and what’s not. Hence, I have drafted this blog to give you a clear idea of all the care and precautions, you will need to survive in this COVID world.

Stepping out in Unlock 1.0

Since we are no more legally required to stay in, there are a few things you must know before stepping out. 

• Avoid crowded places and public gatherings.
• Step out with proper precautions using mask, sanitizer and gloves.
• Going for a walk, jogging in the park, long drives are fine. 
• Avoid restaurants, street foods and takeaways. 
• Don’t go to the gym yet.
• Try to maintain 6 ft distance with people at all time. 

Dressing up for the COVID World

A lot of things are about to change.  From our mentality to our dressing, this huge tide of COVID would wash everything for a fresh start. Here are a few safety tips you must follow while dressing up:

• Avoid sandals and wear close toe shoes.
• Wear a simple full sleeve dress. Prefer dresses with maximum coverage. 
• Avoid dresses with frills and fluffs. 
• Prefer salwar over saree. Wear easy to manage dresses. 
• Wear tight-fitting masks, one that you don’t have to touch to adjust.
• Cover your head if you are going out in public places.
• Wear gloves in the workplace. 
• Wash your clothes every time after coming home.

Safety Protocols for Unlock 1.0

Many of you already know a bit about the drill. Wearing masks and gloves, using sanitizers and soaps. Here is what you might not know –

• Mop the floor with 1 % sodium hypochlorite or soap water to keep it clean spotless and germ-free. 
• As per WHO guidelines, clean our hands with 80% alcohol-based sanitizer. 
• Sanitize your phone, keys, other materials with sanitized wipes.
• Wipe high contact surfaces like door-knobs table tops with 70% alcohol 
• Sanitize the furniture at the office on a daily basis. 
• Wear full PPE if you are sanitizing office area or public premises. 
• Take a Bath immediately after sanitizing the area. 
• Choose your sanitizer carefully, it should not damage your skin but also fulfil the recommendations. 

Shopping in the post COVID world

Soon the malls and halls will be opening up because it’s not feasible for the economy.But before storming your favourite store make sure you remember the following rules.

• Shop clothes from a brand that you have tried before. You are familiar with the sizes and hence you can skip the trial room ordeal.
• Avoid experimenting with new brands and new looks. Since trials of clothes would either be forbidden or jeopardize your safety, it is better to stick to the clothes that make you comfortable. 
• Don’t fall for discounts, go for quality over quantity. 
• Visit the store at the least rush hours. 
• Prefer online shopping over store visits.

Preparing your kids for the COVID world

Most parents are worried about their kids, their studies and extra curriculum activities. ‘It is safe for the kids to step out?’ This is the most common question I get in my messenger. So, here is my advice to you all.

• If your kid is a toddler than don’t worry about schooling or learning. Try teaching at home, the little bits they pick up are enough at this age. 
• If your kid is a pre-teen then online classes and home assignments are fine. 
•  For teenagers, make them understand the importance of safety protocols. Make them practice the new normal. Teach them to respect their and their loved one’s safety. Talk to them before allowing them to step out.
• For toddlers and preteens, you can take them out for cycling but only under your supervision. 
• Do not take the kids to parks and play dates yet. 

More on: Preparing your children for a COVID world

COVID and Travelling 

Most of the safety rules remain the same while travelling by train or flight. Masks, gloves, sanitizers are a must. If possible, wear complete PPE. Prefer to travel light. Check the rules before booking your tickets. 

• It is mandatory to undergo thermal screening before entering airport terminals.
• The traveller must use face masks for the entire journey.
• Travelling from containment zones are not allowed. The Arogya setu app must display ‘green’ status.
• Passengers are required to do a web check-in at home.
• Travellers shall obtain a boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
• Passengers must carry a print out of the boarding pass.
• All passengers might arrive two hours before departure time. 
• Passengers showing COVID-19 symptoms, or with “red” status in the Aarogya Setu, will not be allowed to enter the terminal.
• All passengers must submit the self-declaration form.

Also Read: Airport Rules for Coronavirus

Conclusion: Learn to Live

Life will be different in this COVID world. It will feel inconvenient at the beginning. Your mind might resist the change. But remember, prevention is always better than cure. And in this case a thousand times better. 

Also Read: 13 Key Lessons to Learn from the Coronavirus Pandemic

Apart from the pocket-drilling costs of treatment, it is the mental trauma, the scarcity of hospitals, the panic and stress that creates havoc. So, better to fight corona with precautions than with medicines.