Working as a travel nurse in Atlanta, GA (where the CDC is located) I feel obligated on so many levels to communicate my standpoint regarding this global pandemic of Coronavirus. I’d like to begin with a friendly reminder of “Wash your damn hands!” I cannot emphasize this enough you guys. In nursing school, hand hygiene played a major role in our curriculum. It is by far the most simple, evidence-based practice method in preventing infection. Good ole soap and water! This is elementary stuff you guys! Here’s a quick guide from the CDC on ways to prevent the illness.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community
Now that I have that off my chest, together, we can move forward in the right direction.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to take a moment to focus on the silver lining of this unfortunate situation. Because let’s be honest, the media is doing a fine job of forcing the negative side into our lives. I know many of you might be disappointed with the “social-distancing” part of preventing the spread of COVID-19, however your efforts will make a difference. If we’re able to contain the outbreak and spread of this it will be much more manageable for healthcare workers to treat the individuals with the illness.
Instead, here are a few ways to slow down and make the best out of a desperate situation. Appreciate and do the things you don’t normally “make time” to do. Get creative!
- Spend quality time with those you live with
- Read! Read! Read!
- Deep clean (what better excuse than now?!)
- Call/Facetime a loved one
- Nourish your body with home-cooked food
- Create a gratitude list
- Yoga/meditate
- Hiking/jogging
- Puzzle or board game
- Music (play or listen)
- Art (color, draw, or paint)
A small part of me can’t help but think this will eventually be better for our environment. With ultimately less people driving it could potentially lead to less fuel/pollution emissions right?! Stock prices are down which is a plus if you’re in the buying market. It could potentially lead to less diseases overall with everyone on high alert regarding hand hygiene. So take a moment to stop and think, before you start hoarding cleaning supplies (toilet paper shortage – which I still cannot comprehend), about the restrictions by the CDC because it is clearly all for a good reason. What are some positive things you’re noticing that have come to light since COVID-19? Please share below, I’d love to hear your take!
Disclosure: All opinions remain my own and I am in no way a medical expert in regards to COVID-19. Do seek medical attention if you feel you may have been infected by COVID-19.
Joy in the Journey 
Great read!! This is definitely the “break” we all needed. American work to live, but maybe now in this time we’re learning more about living to work. This, in some strange way, is unifying is all in a time when we needed unity more than ever. And jokes aside, glad our hygiene is improving.
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Take time to turn off the TV , put down your phone . And take in some fresh air . And forget about all the stress of the world. Look around and realize how beautiful the day is . This to will pass.
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Air pollution has cleared up in some places. That’s the happy thought that keeps me positive right now.
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Right now we are all dependent on retail, no one is self sufficient. Try to limit being out in crowds . On line shopping and picking up is a good idea . Walmart,Target, offers this . Delivery options are also good for elderly. Publix, Amazon grocery, Costco. Try to get items that have long shelf life. In the event you can not get to stores or they close. Also get supplies of medicine . We need to get the curve of the virus to go down not up it will help if we stay away from groups of ten or less. These are good options. Also if you have symptoms, get tested so that if you are positive or not you know and are able to quarantine yourself, and if not positive you can safely be seen by others without risk of exposing family friends or caregivers.
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Last comments, volunteer at this time, kids need meals that Are depending On school meals . Help pack. Also communities are delivering food and medicines to those shut in . Find organizations that are helping with this.Also blood banks need blood ,as some may be contaminated. Lots of good options to do good out there for those who can help others.
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