COVID-19 Mistakes You Might Be Making

Just because the vaccine’s on it’s way doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Read on to find out if you’ve been making these mistakes…

Even if you’re (mostly) staying home, spraying alcohol on your hands and ALL the surfaces, it doesn’t mean you’re completely safe from catching COVID-19. If you’ve read the news, you’d know that the numbers in the Philippines are still quite high, despite all the quarantine measures our government have been enforcing. Which is why it’s important to understand what’s wrong — and double check our actions — before the numbers keep soaring. Read on to find out if you’ve been guilty of these common COVID-19 mistakes…

COVID-19 mistakes you might be making

1. Greeting your friends or elders with a beso

Although making our friends and elders beso feels natural, doing this is way too close for comfort and could potentially expose both of you to the virus. Keep the sign of affection ’til after COVID-19, please.

2. Thinking that you won’t get the virus

Not practicing social distancing or any of the rules recommended by the DOH puts everyone in your family – yes, not only yourself – at risk. Anyone can catch the virus and you don’t know how your body might react to it – you could be asymptomatic and spread the virus to someone else, or you might have a slight cough and lose your sense of taste. Stay safe and follow the rules, please!

3. Reading in between the rules

You might know the rules, but avoid the temptation of bending them. Yes, in Manila, during GCQ, you can dine out or see friends and even exercise in public. But it doesn’t mean you should dine out every night and see ALL your friends. Be smart and read rule #2!

4. Not thinking about the underlying conditions you might have

Whether you’re a cancer survivor or have lung or heart problems, this puts you in the high-risk category. Understand your pre-existing conditions and act accordingly.

5. You visit crowded places

Wet markets, shopping malls on weekends (yes, those can still get crowded), public transport stations. If you can, avoid these places or do your research and find out if they follow proper social distancing protocol.

6. You think as long as you’re outdoors, you’re safe

Although dining outdoors or seeing friends outdoors minimizes the risk of contracting COVID-19, it’s not completely risk-free. The longer the amount of time you spend with someone, you might be inhaling more than you realize.

7. You aren’t wearing the right kind of mask

You probably know this, but the N-95 mask is your safest and best bet against the virus. If you’re going to a crowded place (even though you aren’t supposed to), opt for these masks instead of fabric masks because they block much less.

8. Thinking that you can do anything you want after you’ve had the vaccine

Just because you’ve had the vaccine (and if you have, lucky you!), it doesn’t mean you should go out and do ALL the things. Remember, they’re vaccinating people in order of priority and it will take YEARS before everyone in the Philippines has been vaccinated. Also, once you receive the vaccine, it will take weeks before it takes effect on your immune system – so please play it safe!

9. You’re ignoring symptoms

A cold, a cough, chills, loss of taste — know what the symptoms are and take action once you feel any of the above.

10. Thinking you won’t get COVID-19 again

Although reinfections are rare, they could happen. Again, it’s best to play it safe and believe that ANYONE can be susceptible to COVID-19.

Although there’s been a lot of progress in regards to COVID-19 research, there is still a lot we don’t know. This is a relatively new virus with new strains developing. Practice caution whenever you can and stick to the rules. Doing so will prevent new infections and yourself from catching the virus.

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