Ways Essential Workers Can Protect Their Loved Ones From COVID-19 Exposure
You know how important it is to wash your hands after returning from a public outing, but in an effort to avoid exposing the household to coronavirus, is a shower-upon-entry policy something to consider?
For most of us, the shower upon entry is probably not necessary according to researchers who say that any transfer of respiratory droplets infected with COVID-19, would most likely occur from the hands than any other part of the body. So long as you are practicing good hand hygiene, the rest of the body shouldn’t be much of a threat.
Of course, if you are an essential worker who is frequently exposed to the public, removing work clothes and showering before making contact with loved ones, probably isn’t a bad idea. It’s important that you personally assess your own risk for contact throughout the day and be cognizant of the fact that some of that contact could follow you home on clothing and on your person. There are precautions you can take to keep you and your family safe when you’re transitioning home from the outside world.
Planning For A Safe Return
– When heading to work, go for a minimalist look. Leave jewelry, watches or other accessories at home to minimize the risk of picking up germs that way.
– Pack a bag of clean clothes/shoes if you are able to change before coming home and have a separate bag for your dirty clothes.
– Disinfect your phone, ID badge, eyewear or any work supplies you must carry home and leave what you can at work.
– If your workplace has a shower for employees, go ahead and take one before heading home.
– Leave shoes/dirty work clothes outside in a bag until they can be washed.
– Work shoes should be cleaned with disinfectant wipes, top and bottom.
– If you cannot shower at work, shower immediately upon returning home.
References:
The American Academy of Family Physicians:
www.aafp.org
Intermountain Healthcare:
www.intermountainhealthcare.org
“You Should Be Washing Your Hands More But Does That Go For Showering Too?” Accessed from:
www.msn.com/health/wellness