13 Ways To Stay Healthy In Public Places

Always Wear A Mask

“You should always wear a mask anywhere that’s closed off, inside, or in densely populated areas – think cafes, public transport, Ubers and other taxis. If you are outside in an open space and not near other people, it’s fine to remove your mask, but it should be put back on as soon as you are getting nearer to others, whether you’re inside or not. Wearing a mask is important because it covers the mouth and nose, the main areas that transmit the virus from talking, shouting, coughing, laughing and sneezing. Wearing a mask will not only keep yourself safe but will also reduce the risk of you transmitting any of your own respiratory droplets to others, especially those who may have underlying health conditions.” – Jana Abelovska, medical advisor at Click Pharmacy

Consider One With A Filter

“When buying a mask, you want to ensure you purchase one with a filter. This will clear out bacteria and dust that becomes trapped in the mask, allowing for cleaner air flow. You also want to ensure your mask includes two layers of fabric and is large enough to cover both your mouth and nose comfortably. You want to ensure the mask is tight enough around your face so there are no gaps where potential particles could enter or leave, but not too tight that it’s sore on the skin.” – Jana

Wear It Properly

“One of the biggest mistakes people make when wearing a face mask or covering (it can just be a bandana across your mouth and nose) is not wearing it properly, rendering it ineffective. Always take care to wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before putting your face covering on and after you’ve taken it off; also make sure it covers both your mouth and nose. Try to avoid touching or fiddling with the covering when it’s on, especially the front part and don’t keep the covering on other parts of your face or head when you’re not using it – for example, letting it hang around your neck or pulling it up to your forehead. Lastly, wash your mask regularly. You can put it in with your normal laundry but try to wash it at 60 degrees if possible.” – Dr Luke James, medical director for Bupa UK Insurance

Keep Washing Your Hands

“It’s vital to wash your hands throughout the day. If you are out and about more often and come into contact with other people and objects such as doors, handles, seats and other things you might touch, you’ll need to wash your hands and use a hand sanitizer. If you aren’t heading out as much, or are working from home, then rigorous hand washing isn’t as imperative.” – Jana

Don’t Touch Your Face

“It’s incredibly important we are still vigilant when it comes to touching our faces as respiratory droplets can easily transfer from our hands and into our mouth, nose or eyes. If you are someone who tends to forget this or does it as a habit, you should ensure you carry hand sanitizer and sanitize as much as possible, especially when using public transport.” – Jana 

Be Careful When Using The Loo

“Where possible, you should avoid using toilets in other people’s homes. If you do need to use the toilet, avoid touching surfaces and wash your hands thoroughly after you’ve used the toilet, and make sure you wipe down any bathroom surfaces you may have touched. Use separate or paper towels and dispose of them safely after use. Studies have also suggested droplets can be spread when flushing the toilet so try to keep the toilet seat down when you flush.” – Luke

Clean Your Bathroom If You Have Guests

“If you are entertaining at home and people have used your toilet, ensure you are cleaning with anti-bacterial spray with a high alcohol content to ensure all germs are killed. Spray right around the toilet, lid, seat and basin as well as the flush and wipe every area that would have come in contact with the person. You should also sanitize the taps and sink area, as well as any door handles and other places they would have touched.” – Jana

… And Avoid Public Toilets

“Avoid public loos at all costs, especially ones near parks that are used by many people and not cleaned as often. If you do have to use one, sanitize your hands before and after you go into the restrooms. If you can, bring anti-bacterial wipes with you and wipe down any areas such the seat, flush, toilet roll holder, toilet door and taps. Public toilets can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria due to the heat and small spaces, so it’s important to remain vigilant.” – Jana

Take Wipes To The Gym

“While gyms will most likely have social distancing rules in place when they re-open, it’s advisable to bring anti-bacterial wipes with you and wipe down equipment before and after use. Try to keep your distance from others as it is possible to catch the virus from sweat. If this is transmitted to someone else and enters their respiratory system, it is highly detrimental. Hand sanitize as much as you can when in the gym, and if you need to fill up your water bottle, wipe down the water filter to ensure no germs transfer to your bottle.” – Jana

Maintain Good Hygiene At Home

“You should regularly clean surfaces or objects that are frequently touched, such as door handles, TV remotes, food preparation areas and bathroom surfaces. You also need to think about things that can spread germs, such as sponges and cleaning cloths. Current evidence suggests Covid-19 may survive on surfaces for hours or days, so it’s important to regularly clean surfaces with warm, soapy water and then disinfect them. If someone in your household has symptoms, don’t share towels – including hand towels and tea towels – and wipe down common surfaces every few hours.” – Luke

Be Careful When Eating Out

“When cafes and restaurants re-open, stick to social distancing rules as much as possible and wear a mask until you are sat at your table. Bring anti-bacterial wipes with you to wipe down cutlery, any condiments, glasses and other items. Try to keep your distance from the waiting staff and make sure that when your bill comes you don’t touch it. Hand sanitize as soon as you leave the restaurant.” – Jana

Keep Your Phone Germ-Free

“Mobile phones are a haven for germs and are risky because we are constantly putting them near our faces. Ensure you are keeping yours clean by wiping it down each time you use it with either anti-bacterial wipes or hand sanitizer and a tissue. If you have to take a phone call, try to use your headphones instead of lifting the phone to your ear and mouth.” – Jana

Clean Your Car

“The inside of your car should be cleaned each time you have other people in it that you haven’t been isolating with. You can do this by using anti-bacterial spray and a cloth, focusing on areas that are used most often, such as the steering wheel, gear stick, door handles, visor and any buttons such as radio or window buttons. You may also want to wipe down windows and the dashboard in case someone has sneezed or coughed near them.” – Jana 

For more information visit ClickPharmacy.co.uk and Bupa.co.uk

*Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programmes.