Self-Isolation 101: What Self Isolation Means and How You Can Do it
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has advised a two-week self-isolation period for all travellers returning to Nigeria from any country, whether they are showing symptoms of coronavirus or not.
The government and health experts have encouraged self-isolation to curb the spread of the virus, but what does it really mean?
What is self-isolation?
Self-isolation means staying at home and avoiding situations in which you can come in close contact with other people, even if they are your family.
Self-isolation is an important precaution to stop the spread of coronavirus because people might not initially show symptoms even though they have the virus and then unknowingly pass it on to others.
At this stage, people who should self-isolate are:
- Travellers coming into Nigeria from any country, Not just countries with coronavirus, but any country at all.
- People who have been in touch with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks.
How to self-isolate
The NCDC has shared some simple steps to follow when observing self-isolation:
1. Stay in a properly ventilated room, and away from others, including family members, for the duration of your self-isolation.
2. Use a separate bathroom. If you only have one bathroom, then try to use it after everyone else, and then properly clean the bathroom, including frequently touched surfaces.
3. Talk with your employer about working remotely during your period of self-isolation. Going out means you could transmit the disease to colleagues and others if you do test positive for the coronavirus.
4. Make sure you have the necessary supplies to self-isolate for two weeks – enough food, water, medication for any existing health challenges, and other necessities. You could order your essentials on e-commerce platforms, or simply ask friends and family to drop off supplies at your doorstep.
5. It’s still important to regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
6. It’s not yet confirmed, but humans might be able to pass the disease to pets, who could then transmit the disease to others. It’s advised that you stay away from pets as well.
7. Don’t share personal effects like toothbrushes, utensils, towels, bed linen, cups, plates, cutlery, etc. with others.
8. Make sure you clean and disinfect surfaces you touch frequently with disinfectant or with soap. Some regularly touched surfaces are door handles, furniture, tables, kitchen counters, etc. You should also clean the surfaces of your phones, keyboards, and tablets often.
9. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inward part of your elbow when you’re sneezing or coughing. Be sure to toss used tissues in the bin, and to wash your hands immediately afterward.
10. If you notice signs of fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty in breathing, during your self-isolation period, you should call for help on the NCDC toll-free line 0800 9700 0010.
You can also send them text messages to them on 08099555577, or contact them on WhatsApp with 07087110839.
If you complete the 2 weeks of self-isolation without showing any symptoms, you will be free to continue with your normal routine.
During self-isolation, your thoughts might swing between being scared about possibly having coronavirus and being bored of staying indoors with only yourself for company.
Worrying about something you can’t control is no good, but you can occupy your thoughts by reading some new books, exercising regularly, or even starting an online course. You could also see some new movies on streaming platforms or on DSTV.
Stay safe, everyone.
