Tips to Stay Safe From COVID-19 by Dr. Ayesha Khalid From Burjeel Medical Centre Al Zeina

As the movement restrictions across the UAE have been lifted, it is but natural that people are stepping out for work and other day-to-day essentials as individuals and families. Although it is considered safe to move around, it is important that people follow the recommended safety guidelines and precautions when socializing. 

According to Dr. Ayesha Khalid, Consultant - Family Medicine at Burjeel Medical Centre Al Zeina, it is important that we protect ourselves and everyone around us. To be able to do that, one must take note of all the facts and take appropriate precautions, and strictly follow the

advice provided by the local health authority.

Dr. Ayesha shares some basic yet very necessary tips to protect oneself from COVID-19.

1. Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands

Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately.

2. Keep a safe distance 

Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) between yourself and others in public places.

3. Avoid going to crowded places

When people gather in large groups in closed places, there is a high risk of getting infected as you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COVID-19.

4. Avoid touching your face and eyes

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth because you can pick up the virus from surfaces and touching the mucous membranes on your face allows the virus to enter into the respiratory system.

5. Wash your hands frequently

Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 30 seconds removes all traces of the virus if you have come in contact with it by touching infected surfaces.

Lastly, Dr. Ayesha advises everyone to maintain good personal hygiene and respiratory hygiene. She also urges people to cover their mouth and nose with their bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash the hands. Simple hygiene measures can help protect your family’s health and everyone else's too.