PROTECTING EACH OTHER DURING COVID-19

Message from Consumer Affairs

"Lets  work  together  to  beat  Covid-19”. The  Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has had cases of Covid-19, the illness caused by the novel Coronavirus , since March, 2020. The basic advice has been to practice social distancing, stay home as much as possible, stay at least six feet away from each other, and wash hands frequently.  Our borders are due to open on October 31st 2020, and we urged all consumers to please continue to protect themselves.

Please find in this booklet guidelines and tips that can help prevent or lower chances in catching this virus.  Please also remember there is currently NO VACCINE  to  prevent coronavirus (COVID-19).

KNOW HOW IT SPREADS

• The best way to prevent illness is avoid being exposed to this virus.
•  The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
•  These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs
•  Some recent studies have also suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are NOT showing symptoms.
• Clean and disinfect kitchen counters or where you unpacked the groceries.

SANITIZE, CLEAN & DISINFECT

• In your home, focus on sanitizing surfaces you frequently come in contact with, including doorknobs, handles or handrails, faucets, sinks, toilets, countertops, desks, television remote controls, game controls, table surfaces and light switches. Selecting the right product & observing the adequate level of surface saturation & contact time with the surface is critical. Preferably, use cleaning agents with active ingredients that include hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, citric acid, L-lactic acid, caprylic acid & thymol.
• Clean electronic devices such as phones and tablets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol wipes or spray a non-abrasive, alcohol based cleaner on a microfiber cloth, to clean or disinfect. Pay special attention to the screen, the buttons, and anywhere dust and pocket lint tend to get trapped. Also remove and clean any case that is on your phone or tablet.
• Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.
•  Keep hand sanitizers away from fire or flame
• For children under six years of age, hand sanitizers should only be used with adult supervision
•  Always store hand sanitizers out of reach of children and pets

PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE SHOPPING

• Wear a mask in public settings and around non family members
• Clean the shopping trolley or basket handles with alcohol spray or wipes before touching it
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others while in lines
• Used marked entry or exit points and follow any directional signs or floor markings designed to keep people at least 6 feet apart
• Only touch products that you plan to purchase (if possible)
• Consider not consuming any sample or purchase food or drink items from self service stations
• If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying

UNPACK SAFELY AT HOME

• When unpacking groceries refrigerate and freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood and other perishables within two hours of purchasing
• DO NOT use disinfectants designed for hard surfaces such as bleach or ammonia on food packaged in cardboard or plastic wrap
• After unpacking groceries, wash or wipe tin items with soap and water or wipe with alcohol.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Covid-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported - from mild symptoms to severe illness

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Bluish lips or face
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• New Confusion

PREVENTION

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus
• Clean your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Practice social distancing between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet)
• Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. (Wash your hands after)
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 second especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. It is especially important to wash your hands:

• Before eating or preparing food
• Before touching your face
• After using the bathroom or changing a diaper
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling your mask
• After caring for someone sick
• After touching animals or pets

If soap and water are NOT readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash
• Immediately wash your hands

WEARING OF FACE MASKS

• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, you could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick
• The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who DO NOT live in the same household, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
• Masks should not be placed on children two years and under, anyone who has trouble breathing, unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask with out assistance