10 habits that will stay forever after the pandemic

The pandemic has changed the way of life as we knew it, from confinement to adopting new habits to prevent infection. To flatten the curve of the covid-19 outbreak, many countries have adopted radical measures of social distancing. People are encouraged or forced to isolate themselves at home. Schools are closed in many countries. The same goes for theatres, cinemas, bars and restaurants.  It is recommended not to travel, either for leisure or for work. The borders are closed. Most people assume that all of these measures to fight the virus are temporary and that at some point – in two, six, or perhaps twelve months – life will return to normal.

To some extent, that may be true. But many changes may be permanent. Social systems, be they entire economies or individual organizations, are very difficult to change. Over time, companies become complex and bureaucratic structures, with so many entrenched routines that they are almost impossible to modify. Economies also follow a certain path and generally resist radical changes. Instead, they follow a path that is often marked by a small historical event or accident. But in times of deep crisis, a window of opportunity opens for change.

Sometimes this window of opportunity is purposely managed to change the course of action.

Research in the social sciences has long observed that socio-political change often happens in sudden explosions: a social system remains stable for a long period of time until an external jolt disrupts it and sets in motion a new trajectory.

The coronavirus can be that external shock that redefines in its essence some areas of how we live our lives. Instead of just recovering and getting back to where we were before the coronavirus, some changes may be forever.

Covid-19 is a disease that is here to stay, a virus that by its characteristics spreads rapidly around the world. Currently there is no vaccine and the treatments used are in the testing phase and can only treat the usual symptoms that, according to the information from the World Health Organization (WHO), are: nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, loss of sense of smell, skin rashes, colour changes in fingers, hands and feet.  These symptoms are usually mild and start gradually, although it has been found that some people do not develop symptoms (asymptomatic) or develop them mildly.

10 habits that will stay forever after the pandemic

In this sense, the pandemic has changed the way of life as we knew it, from confinement to adopting new habits to prevent infection, these times require hygiene and awareness of our daily routine.

Therefore, information from the Federal Consumer Prosecutor’s Office (Profeco) shows 10 lessons left by the covid and that from now on we should not forget proper hygiene and cleaning habits:

1. Wash your hands.  The appropriate technique is the one that the WHO suggests; it is important to wash hands properly and also use antibacterial gel.

2. Sneezing.  It is already mandatory to cover yourself when coughing or sneezing using a disposable handkerchief which must be placed in the trash and wash your hands immediately.  The “label sneeze” is essential from today until the end of the pandemic.

3. Correct use of chlorine.  It has been found that it does not need to be mixed with other products, even specialists caution that mixing chlorine with other cleaning products can have serious health or death risks.

4. Mouth guards.  The correct handling of this attachment was learned.  The face mask should be used when people have any respiratory disease and wash their hands before putting it on.  It should also be held only by the springs or laces to tie it.

5. Shoes.  A new habit in the face of the pandemic is to leave shoes at the entrance of the home and it is feasible to make it a habit to avoid contamination.  It is suggested to change the shoes for an exclusive indoor pair. More covid-19 lessons …

6. Bags.  When entering the house, it is preferable that the bags remain on the floor.

“Avoid placing shopping bags on the dining room table or kitchen table.”

7. Do not share.  Avoid drinking glasses, cups, cutlery or any other kitchen item from someone else:

“You should even avoid sharing food between your peers or family members.”

8. Extreme cleaning?  Yes, it is that from now on the products that are purchased in the different stores go through a process of cleaning and disinfection before entering the home.

9. Surfaces. The suggestion is that surface cleaning be before, during and after the pandemic, particularly those where food is prepared.

10. At work. From now on, coexistence in the work environment will also change:

“Maintain a healthy distance and avoid greeting with physical contact. Make cleaning staff easier when you leave your job.” This means that the workplace must be cleaned at the beginning of the working day, during and at the end of the day.