A few simple tips to help us navigate amid the growing coronavirus (COVID 19) fears.
As part of the global community dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic (otherwise known as the Coronavirus), my company Nicole Williams Collective sees it as our social responsibility to inform, educate, and advocate. Part of that duty means doing my part to drive awareness that will help prevent and respond to infectious diseases in the community, as well as use my platform to lift and amplify the voice of our community against micro-aggressions. It is our mission to contribute positively to the world, and that’s never more important than in times of crisis.
As of today, 30+ states have reported infections with an effort to try to keep the virus under control. The health and wellness of ourselves, family, friends, and community should be top priority, which makes it our shared goal to minimize potential exposure. As it stands today, there is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. There are no current vaccines available to protect against the human coronavirus infection, and it’s causing an economic and social ripple effect.
Amid the growing COVID-19 outbreak I’m seeing how people of Asian descent are being mistreated. This is pretty much another reminder that this world we live in can be an incredibly cruel and dark place, currently run by some insidious people with insidious purposes. But it’s yours and my responsibility to shine the light wherever we go. And therefore, I see it as my responsibility to lift as I rise. Because if your success is not about serving people, then it’s not success.
Nelson Mandela said, “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” That said, this content is for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for the CDC, EPA or professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in the face of this virus. However, it is intended to speak out against the mistreatment of our Asian brothers and sisters. With that said, here are a few social and basic lifestyle measures to help preserve our communities and minimize the spread of coronavirus.
- Stop being xenophobic of people of Asian descent. Coronavirus is no excuse for racism. Diseases and viruses don’t discriminate when it comes to ethnicity, and so Asian people are not more likely to contract the virus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer (sold out everywhere) with at least 60 percent alcohol then rub your hands until dry.
- Though much easier said than done. TRY to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick or demonstrate cold-like symptoms. Stay home if you are sick, unless you or your child needs medical care.
- Rethinking the handshake and that kiss on the cheek is critical at this time to help keep this communicable virus from spreading. So get practicing the elbow bump and foot tap.
- Practice sneezing and coughing etiquette by covering your cough or sneeze into your inner elbow or with tissue (not your bare hand). Throw any tissue used immediately in the trash, wash your hands, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after touching tissues.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using household cleaning products with bleach and Clorox. If you share a workstation or equipment with others, consider wiping them down with disinfectant wipes after use.
- Practice social distancing by avoiding large crowds, especially in small spaces. In fact, many states and organizations are restricting mass gatherings, some are on a “no-travel” policy and have asked employees to work from home.
For additional information and guidance on how to respond to COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
