Starting from June, lockdown regulations will be eased in most parts of the country except in places where COVID-19 is virulent. After nearly two and a half months of enforced self-isolation, India is slowly inching back to its pre-COVID-19 ways – workplaces are back in business and airlines, buses, cabs and auto-rickshaws are operational again.

But remember, lockdown is being lifted to prevent further damage to our economy and normalize workflow in the country, NOT because coronavirus has been vanquished. It is still at large and anyone can contract it anytime, including you.

What can you do?

We have to be responsible and for the sake of our compatriots as well as our families, we need to be mindful of a few things-

1. Personal hygiene is as important as ever

Accept it, rigorous personal hygiene will be an integral part of our routine from now on. The good news is hygiene not only prevents coronavirus but many other illnesses as well like the flu, diarrhoea, common cold, stomach infection, etc.

So don’t forget to disinfect your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently. You should do it after-

•   Touching any object that is frequently handled such as bus handrails, cab doors, elevator buttons, office fingerprint scanner and washroom doorknobs, etc.
•   Before eating.

Other hygiene measures to keep in mind-

• Do not touch others in a way of greeting, no hugging or shaking hands.
• Avoid street food as we have no way of knowing whether hygiene protocol was maintained.
• As soon as you come home, take a shower, wash your clothes and disinfect your bags and shoes.

 2. Social distancing

Social distancing continues to be as important as ever. At all times, try to maintain 6 feet of distance between you and others. So whether you are out to purchase groceries, taking the bus to your office or working alongside a bunch of people at your place of work, do not come near others.

• Opt for video conferences.
• Eat lunch at your workstation. 

3. Avoid public transport unless necessary

We realize this would be difficult to implement, but buses (trains and metro when they start plying) are likely to be packed with people and any one of them could be infected. So instead, look for alternatives. If your office is fairly close, WALK! It might seem like a big ask, but it would also do your health a lot of favour. You could also rent bicycles or even purchase one and of course, you could take a motorbike or a car to work.

4. Toughen up your immunity

Another way to win the war against COVID-19 is by strengthening your immunity. The stronger it is, the fewer the chances of you contracting it and it is not even difficult. A few herbs, fruits, nuts and vegetable will do the trick such as-

• Tulsi
• Haldi
• Neem
• Ginger
• Ashwagandha
• Citrus fruits like lime, oranges
• Carrots and beets

All of these foods are loaded with antioxidants and have powerful anti-microbial properties that eliminate pathogens, which enter your body.

5. Mask yourself and follow other regulations

Wearing masks was made mandatory when the lockdown was in force and you should continue with this safety measure. A double-layered mask offers vital defence against coronavirus.

Post lockdown, do not expect life to be just as it was before. You are still to avoid containment zones. Even if you have family or friends living in such a zone, do not visit them right now.

If you are travelling long distances by flight, train or bus, comply with the rules and do not opt-out of thermal screening.

Lockdown being lifted is not a reason to throw caution to the wind. You have to be even more alert now as the risk of transmission will rise exponentially. 

Remember, don’t let your guard down to stay safe and healthy.

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