HOW TO SELF-QUARANTINE
If you have been exposed to someone who is carrying the virus or are coming from a Covid-19 affected area, then you must self-quarantine for at least 14 days. A look at what a self-quarantine entails and why it is crucial
Text: SWETA GOSWAMI Illustration: MOHIT SUNEJA
IF SYMPTOMS ARISE
In case you becomes symptomatic, all your close contacts must be home quarantined. You should immediately call the govt helplines so officials can have you rushed to a hospital as soon as possible
ORDERING FOOD
In case you order food or item while under quarantine, you must pay for it online so you don’t swap currency bills with anyone. Ask the delivery person to leave the item outside your door to minimise the risk of infecting the deliveryperson
DISPOSING MASKS, LINENS
Any linen or clothes worn by you should never come in direct contact with anyone else. Disposable gloves must be used when washing utensils. Utensils such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups etc should not be shared with others in the family
Used masks during quarantine should be disinfected and then disposed by either burning or deep burial OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS
Elderly, pregnant women, children and persons with co-morbidities within the household should be kept at maximum possible distance from you. They should come in contact with your living space
ONE-ROOM CONFINEMENT
Your movement should be strictly limited to a single room in the house, preferably with an attached toilet that no one else should use. No visitors should be allowed Wear a surgical mask all the time and it should be changed every 6-8 hours. These masks must never be reused, and be treated as if they are infected
SINGLE PERSON CONTACT
If another family member must enter your room, they should maintain at least 1 to 3m distance from you. Only one family member should be assigned to care for you in this period
The ‘contact person’ should always wear a mask around you, wear gloves and never let their skin come in contact with any surface touched by you. They must also wash their hands after removing their gloves
Everyone in the house must wash their hands as often as possible thoroughly with soap and water or frequently use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser