If you have a spouse, kids or roommates, there is a chance you will be forced to share your living space with someone who has COVID-19. Embrace the challenge of living with a COVID-19 patient in a strategic manner and you will make it through this difficult period of time without contracting the virus. Here’s how to do it.
Separation is the Name of the Game
Distancing from the virus-carrier is the most important component of mitigating the spread. This is not to say you have to abandon your significant other for several weeks. Rather, you must physically separate yourself from that person as much as possible.
Ideally, the infected person in your home will temporarily transition to the basement or a separate room, complete with its own bed, seating arrangement, computer and TV. Above all, you must refrain from sleeping next to individual who has COVID-19. Though sleeping on a bed in the spare room or even the couch will prove uncomfortable, it is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus to yourself and others in your home. Maintain your distance and you just might emerge from this unfortunate situation without COVID-19.
Sanitize Your Home
Now that you are quarantined at home, you have the opportunity to clean the entirety of your living space on a daily basis. After all, you can only stream Netflix for so long. In particular, it will help to sanitize high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, desks and tables to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The Sick Individual Should Take Proactive Measures
As noted above, it is best to quarantine the individual who has COVID-19 in one room until he or she recovers. However, this individual will likely have to venture into shared spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen at various points throughout the day. Encourage him or her to wear a face mask, especially when leaving the room designated for quarantine to prevent the spread of infectious COVID-19-laden droplets. If possible designate silverware, dishware and towels for the virus-carrier to use while rebuilding his or her health.
Everyone in the House Should Stay at Home
The sad truth is the time you spent living with the individual who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 might have exposed you and/or your loved ones to the virus. Even if you feel perfectly fine, your proximity to a family member or roommate who tested positive for COVID-19 heightens the chances that you are carrying the virus. As a result, you should remain inside your home as long as possible to prevent potential transmission to others in the community.
Rely on grocery delivery services for food. Telecommute to work from home. In particular, the person who tested positive for COVID-19 should not leave the home as the mere act of breathing produces airborne particles that have the potential to infect others. Embrace creative solutions to remain quarantined and you will have done your part to slow the spread of the virus.
Humidify and Filter Indoor Air
Air filters are capable of capturing tiny airborne COVID-19 particles. If you own an air purifier of any sort, operate it in the room where the virus-carrier is quarantined. Furthermore, if you have several such air purifiers, set them up in rooms throughout the home. Take a look at the AC/heat system filters to ensure they are the highest possible level (MERV 13 or higher).
Most viruses struggle to survive when subjected to high levels of humidity. Turn on your home humidifier, set it to a 60% setting and you will reduce the chances of the virus spreading from the infected individual to the rest of your family.
Sources
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-to-do-living-with-someone-coronavirus_l_5e729252c5b6f5b7c53d9a6d
- https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2020/what-you-should-do-if-caring-for-someone-with-coronavirus.html
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/03/24/coronavirus-testing-shortage-take-precautions-just-in-case-column/2899989001/
- https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/how-to-self-isolate-in-a-shared-house
- https://www.insider.com/what-to-do-if-someone-in-home-has-coronavirus-2020-3