Last Updated: 24th July, 2022

Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Lockdown: We all are reading a terrible lot about the recent Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown. While the current statistics and information obtainable on the disease are horribly scaring everyone across the nation, this is on top of that the time to be wary of everything that you come across either online or through the forwards.

There seems to represent a ton of knowledge about what you should do to lower your chances of contracting the deadly coronavirus, but nothing much about what WE should NOT do! Hence at this point we bring you few Don’ts you should follow without fail during this lockdown period to stay safe from Novel Coronavirus COVID-19.

Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Lockdown: 7 Things WE Should NOT Do!

1. Don’t Naively Believe WhatsApp Forwarded Messages

We all have had already come across numerous WhatsApp forwards related to Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 right from home remedies to prevent and treat the coronavirus to false statistics about deaths related to the disease. While there is no way, you can restrict people from sending these messages, you can at least try not to believe these false claims and verify the accuracy of the content.

Seek information from credible sources like the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India.

2. Don’t Hoard Food/Daily Essentials

The day the Indian Government has ordered lockdown across the country; people were on the roads to stock up groceries and other daily essentials for the next few months. All this because of some baseless rumors that the whole country will be under lockdown for the next six months.

However, the reality is that all daily essentials including milk, groceries, medicines, vegetables, fruits, etc. have been operational. Therefore, there is no need to panic and stock up all the daily essentials with the fear of complete lockdown.

3. Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Lockdown: Don’t Bulk Buy Sanitizers

There is no denying Sanitizers are a must to prevent the spread of the infection and fight this national health emergency. But this doesn’t mean you purchase every bottle of sanitizer in the market and save for future use. By doing so, you are making it difficult for those getting hold of it who actually needs it.

So think twice before you stock up Sanitizers at your home. In fact, experts claim that washing hands with soap and water is the best way to practice hand hygiene than using a sanitizer.

4. Don’t Wear Masks If You Are Not Unwell

Just like food and Sanitizers, people are buying masks extensively which has caused numerous cities to run out of masks. As per Dr. Vijay D’silva, Director – Medical Affairs & Critical Care, Asian Heart Institute “Medical masks should be unused by hearty people with no symptoms. Only those who are diagnosed or suspected and those looking after infected patients or suspected patients should wear a mask.”

So do not stock up masks, but entrust it for the patients, caregivers and health care professionals as these represent the people who actually need masks to stay safe. In fact, even a homemade cloth face coverings can act as an additional precaution while going outside, says a recent advisory released by MoHFW on 4th April, 2020.

5. Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Lockdown: Don’t Ignore The Symptoms

Be aware of the symptoms of Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 which include fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, and sore throat. If you or anyone in your close proximity (relatives, friends, family or neighbors) experience any of these symptoms and include a warranted travel or contact history, then do ask them to consult a doctor.

Do not self-assume things that the person might represent Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 positive. This may not merely affect the person, but equally provoke panic among others.

Do not ignore the symptoms nor do think of undergoing the test as you require a doctor’s prescription to undergo the test performed. So visit and talk to your doctor if you ever have any symptoms. Also, do not hide the symptoms as this not only puts your life at risk, but also the people around you including your family and friends.

6. Don’t Attend Mass Gatherings/Restaurants

One of the key reasons for the Government to order a lockdown is to prevent accumulation of considerable groups of people together. However, many people are nevertheless not taking the lockdown order seriously and are roaming freely and unnecessarily.

This is not the precise thing to carry out as the risk of transmission of the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 is elevated if you do not follow social distancing. Follow proper measures like social distancing when you need to go out to purchase groceries and ensure to wash your hands after coming back home.

7. Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Lockdown: Don’t Panic

Do not allow the fear of the coronavirus takes a toll on your mental health. Practice meditation and yoga that can encourage you to de-stress and stay calm. If watching news channels or reading about Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 deaths causes anxiety, then stay away from it.

Moreover, try making the most of this situation by spending some quality time with your family, devouring a book that you wanted to finish for a while or try out a new hobby to keep you engaged. Remember, panicking should not be in your list of to do’s to fight against the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19.

Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 is a national health emergency and it is the responsibility of each and every individual to accomplish our bit to prevent the spread of the infection. Do NOT panic, stay on high alert and PLEASE act responsible!