Schools are closed until after Easter and many companies are allowing employees to work from home. Those with weakened immune systems and those over 60 have been advised to stay home. Some international travel has been suspended and only essential domestic travel is allowed. This means South Africans will be spending much more time at home that what we are used to – for now people are being asked to practice social distancing, but this could change if the numbers of positive cases continue to rise.

As officials address the public health emergency, social distancing and self-quarantine measures are encouraged to prevent the rapid spread of coronavirus cases and as experts call it, “flatten the curve.”

Social distancing, isolation and quarantine each have different goals, but all of these protocols are designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, the disease that results from the novel coronavirus, and other communicable diseases.

Here’s what each term means:

• Social distancing: Social distancing is used to limit close interactions among people. You can see this happening as conferences are cancelled, gatherings are limited, and schools shut down. Individuals may also choose to distance themselves by avoiding public transportation or choosing to work remotely. Other social distancing practices include avoiding handshakes and maintaining a physical distance from other people.
• Quarantine: To be quarantined (or self-quarantined) is when a person who is well – not sick or exhibiting symptoms – separates themselves or drastically restricts their movement. It’s used when a person has come in contact (or is suspected to have done so) with an infected person and needs to monitor their symptoms. Quarantine is also used with individuals who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and need to limit their exposure to potentially ill people.
• Isolation: Isolation is used when a person that’s ill or displaying presumptive coronavirus symptoms is separated from those who are healthy to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In some cases, people might be isolated in a hospital, while those with manageable symptoms are isolated at home.

How to prepare for self-quarantine or lockdown

At least 14 days are recommended for a self-quarantine, while the duration of a lockdown depends on the decision of a local government.

Given the likelihood that more and more people around the world will be house-bound, preparing one’s home for that eventuality is an increasing concern.

Among the things being stocked are:

• Non-perishable foods, including shelf-stable beverages, sauces, pasta, canned foods, pulses, rice, cereal, crackers, and dry goods, including tea, sugar, and coffee. Fresh produce can be frozen for later use.
• Basic medical supplies, including over-the-counter medications to alleviate possible symptoms – which, in mild cases, have a lot in common with the symptoms of the common cold. Medicines for fever, congestion, and cough are recommended. It is also important to keep a one-month supply of prescription medication on hand as well in case getting to a pharmacy for a refill becomes difficult.
• Cleaning and hygiene supplies needed would include soaps for handwashing, bathing, laundry, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, and cleaning, as well as disinfectants to keep surfaces clean.
• Also important is preparing some activities that can be undertaken within the home, whether a list of books to read or an entertainment or exercise subscription that can be used without going out.
• Also remember – pet food, batteries, sponges, refuse bags, thermometer.

Set yourself up to work from home

If you’re lucky enough to continue working remotely during the outbreak, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to work effectively, including a quiet and comfortable work space. Also consider some of these practices to keep you in the right frame of mind.

• Get dressed and ready for work each day. Doing so will get you into a productive mindset help you look presentable on video conferences and maintain some kind of routine.
• Avoid housework. This is a tough one, but working from home doesn’t mean doing the washing, washing the dishes and cleaning up throughout the day. To avoid any housework, make sure to clean up before you start the day or before bed.
• Coordinate meeting schedules. If you’re quarantined with someone else working remotely, you’ll want to coordinate meetings so that you’re not disrupting each other. Simply share calendars or connect briefly before the day begins. If you each have an office or designated area, this wouldn’t apply to you.
• Take breaks and stop working. The hardest thing about working from home is setting boundaries. Be sure to schedule breaks when you can stretch, do an at-home workout, or eat. Also make sure you’re “clocking out” at some point and putting your laptop away for the day. This will help you stay sane while working from home.

Set up a routine

It is important to maintain some sort of routine while you are at home – this will ensure that you get to everything that needs to be done and that you designate certain activities to certain times. Of course you can allow for some flexibility but having an idea of what your day ahead looks like lessens anxiety and makes us more productive.

• Exercise: Plenty of YouTube channels offer free workout videos and workout apps get you an experience on par with an in-studio class. Set a time each day for working out and stick to it. Exercise is a great stress-reliever and will be essential during this time of uncertainty.
• Keep your spirits up. As the outbreak spreads and the death toll increases, many people may find themselves deeply worried — or even panicked. During these times, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take time out away from TV and social media. Practice guided-meditations, eat well and get enough sleep.

Keeping Children Occupied during Lockdown

• Playing Games With Kids – Card games, board games like monopoly and Uno are great for the whole family. Try puzzles that you can get them to do on their own. Whatever it is that you have at home – you may have to be creative!
• Set Up Daily Routines To Keep Kids Busy – It is easier when you get kids to co-operate and get them to set a schedule for the day and week with them. Get them to make the calendar with you, so that you and they know what you do what time of the day. Believe me, it get easier with a little bit of planning. Make sure you have playtime, reading time and lunch scheduled in. Of course, make sure your work time is there when you can get your kids to be self-sufficient.
• Get Kids To Help You On Cooking – Get kids to measure things with you – How many ml, cups, teaspoon things are. Kids will lead by doing the measuring and pouring and this is a great way to connect with them and get them to help you as well. So while they’re learning to cook, they’re learning some maths skills too!

• Keep Kids Busy With Sports Outside – Hide and seek, treasure hunt, ball games, bike races – these are a few of my kids favourite ways to keep active. Make sure you have exercise scheduled in on your day. You can do this inside if you do not have space to run in a garden.
• Doing Arts And Crafts – Have colouring books, stickers, paints ready and available at your home. You can again find great resources on the Internet to print out for your kids if you are running out. Get them to paint on fingers only (messy but fun) or using old toothbrush.
• Screen time and Internet – How much screen time you give to your kids? Can you use the internet sparingly? Use it educationally? Watch documentaries with them. Or make sure you Facetime with your grandparents or family that you cannot see as you would normally do.
• Relaxation – Make sure they get downtime to do nothing at all where they can do free play and create their own games as well.

What to do when you have to leave the house

If you’re participating in a quarantine or self-quarantine that doesn’t forbid you from leaving the house, there may be occasions when you’ll go out into the world, such as to get groceries or visit a family member. When you do, follow precautions and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often.

When you return home — or in the event someone visits your home — be sure to sanitise your house. This means using disinfecting products to wipe down frequently used surfaces, including countertops, doorknobs, taps and tables.

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic,

please visit the WHO website.