The global pandemic brought about various changes when it comes to how people live their daily lives.
If in the past, people were able to gather and have parties in celebration of big events, during this trying time, it is significantly discouraged.
Even handshakes and hugs are not advisable during this time to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Some governments implemented lock-down measures to mitigate the further spread of the virus. However, some people still need to go out to do essential things such as buying groceries or supplies.
If you are one of those who still need to leave the house at this time of the pandemic, then below are some of the things that you need to carry with you at all times.
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Mask
One of the primary things that you need to bring with you anywhere you go during this pandemic is a face mask.
However, apart from bringing a couple of pieces more stored in your bag, you need to ensure that you are wearing one as well.
While wearing a face mask may not protect you from the virus, you are protecting others from contracting it in case you are a carrier of the virus.
Thus, if everyone is wearing a face mask, then each person is protecting the rest of the community.
There are various types of masks for you to choose from and the best one that offers the most protection against coronavirus is the N95, KN95, and other types of respirator masks.
For this reason, you should leave this type of mask for the use of health workers and other front liners.
Nevertheless, if you need to go to an area with a high transmission rate, then make sure that you are wearing this type of mask.
Hand sanitizer
Another thing that you need to always bring with you in this time of pandemic is a hand sanitizer.
One of the most effective ways to minimize the chances of getting the virus is by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently.
However, when you are out and about, this may not be possible, although there are now numerous handwashing stations set up in different places to encourage people to keep their hands sanitized.
In case you cannot wash your hands immediately, a hand sanitizer will be able to ensure that your hands are clean and free from the virus.
If you are concerned about the moisture of your hands since frequent washing or use of sanitizers can make it dry, you can go for alcohol free hand sanitisers that will keep the moisture of your skin even with frequent use.
In this way, even if you apply a hand sanitizer time and again, your hands will remain soft and smooth. You even have the option of going for scented hand sanitizers that have a relaxing or calming aroma.
Protective Gloves
You don’t have to wear protective gloves all the time when you’re out, but you should always carry a pair of nitrile disposable gloves for medical use just in case.
You’ll need them when you clean your workstation, dispose of waste materials, or treat an injury.
While protective gloves may come in handy, it’s best not to wear them all the time. Gloves can get contaminated too, and it’s a lot easier to sanitize your hands frequently when you’re not wearing them.
Reserve your gloves for certain situations, and just wash or sanitize your hands often to keep yourself protected.
Disinfectants and Wet Wipes
You should also make it a habit to bring disinfectants or wet wipes with you every time you go out. Rest assured that there are portable ones that you can easily fit in your bag.
You can use this to disinfect or wipe your table in the office as soon as you arrive to ensure that you won’t transmit any virus.
You can also use disinfectant wipes to sanitize your phone and other gadgets frequently.
Some of the other surfaces that you may consider disinfecting before holding include car door handles and shopping carts.
Statistics show that the virus can live on these surfaces for several hours, which is why you need to ensure that you clean them appropriately before you touch them.
You should also keep in mind not to touch your face after you touch these surfaces because that is one way of getting the virus.
Tissue
Apart from disinfectants and wet wipes, you should also carry some tissue with you each time you go out of the house.
They are quite handy in covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
After all, it is important to practice the right coughing or sneezing etiquette especially during this time to prevent widespread virus transmission.
You can also use a tissue to wipe your face, rather than using your hand to take out sweat from it when you feel hot. Tissues are also handy when it comes to wiping doorknobs or elevator buttons.
For this reason, you should also make it a habit to have some tissues around you every time you travel, whether in your bag or your car.
Water Bottle
Finally, never forget to bring a water bottle with you every time you go out.
Regardless of whether there is a pandemic or not, you should exert the effort to always be hydrated, which is why you need to have potable water with you anywhere you go.
Instead of having to stop by a store to buy water, you can opt to bring a water bottle that you can refill instead.
In this way, not only will you be able to keep hydrated and ensure that your immune system is up, but you will also help save the environment by minimizing trash as well.
Fortunately, there are already different types of water bottles for you to choose from, each having a special feature that can fit your lifestyle.
Some will be able to keep your drink cold, while others are collapsible, which makes them more portable. The important thing is that you have a water bottle with you that you can refill each time.
The items listed above are only some of the things that you need to carry with you at all times during this pandemic.
Apart from carrying these things though, you also need to ensure that you practice the necessary measure to prevent the further spread of the virus.
For instance, you need to keep social distancing in mind because the transmission of the virus is less likely if people are farther apart.
Rest assured that with vaccines now made available in various countries, we may be seeing the end of the pandemic soon.