If there is COVID-19 in your apartment…..

With many COVID-19 patients being compelled to stay in their homes for many days after testing positive, the Sunday Times asked Consultant Physician Dr. Eranga Narangoda how people living in apartments can take care of themselves.

Dr. Narangoda who has been treating such patients since COVID-19 hit Sri Lanka, is currently attached to the Homagama Base Hospital. Earlier, he was at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital (NIID or IDH), Angoda.

Here are this clinician’s suggestions:

Don’t use public areas or the lifts (elevators). Avoid congested and closed areas.

If the apartment complex has central air-conditioning (AC), switch it off in your apartment.

Keep your apartment well-ventilated, open the windows (the virus can’t fly in through the window) and let sunlight come in.

Be cautious of what you come into contact with in public areas. Eg. Door handles or if you use the staircase, the banister/railing surfaces could be contaminated with the virus. Don’t touch them but if you do, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use sanitizer. Avoid touching your face.