With the outbreak of the COVID-19 infection, it’s been a period where new rules, regulations and guidance have been emerging at a rapid rate.

First and foremost, it should be stated, that the most up-to-date and official advice can be found at this Government link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

ALL of the official advice should be STRICTLY followed.

Here at Make Me A Plan we are experienced at analysing risks and thinking innovatively.

So, the 10 top tips I’ve put together are things you might not have thought of, in the interest of increasing hygiene and safety at this difficult time.

1. Disinfect your taps. We are all thinking about handwashing more frequently, are you doing the same for one of the main areas being touched by hands with germs on?

2. Dirty cash. Can you use contactless payments to minimise hand-to-hand contact when doing your shopping?

3. Touch type: Viruses LOVE hanging out on hard surfaces. Door handles, handrails, shopping trolley and basket handles, basically any hard surface you might touch that other people have touched are risk points. Cover your hand with a soft material when touching these kind of things, use this only once per surface. An ideal option is using a clean rag, as you can then pop these straight into the washing machine and reuse once washed.

4. If you are in an environment that would normally use fans or a device that causes air to blow around, politely ask the manager/owner to turn the fans off, so that social distancing procedures will remain effective and germs are not being circulated.

5. On the subject of social distancing. This applies to ALL circumstances when out in public and helps keep you and others safe and calm. This can be as simple as sitting or standing further apart. Queues are absolutely not exempt from this practice.

6. Self-isolating. Needs to be just that to be effective. If you are unwell (displaying symptoms) or at risk, however difficult, popping to the supermarket IS NOT an acceptable activity. The person who is fetching you supplies must follow handwashing guidelines and deliver the items to your doorstep without touching you, entering your house or breaking social distancing guidelines.

7. Self-service checkouts: I personally would avoid these altogether unless you are certain that the store has implemented adequate distancing and disinfecting measures (see points 1, 3 and 5 also). If we are avoiding shaking hands why on earth would we seek to touch something someone else has touched a few seconds ago?

8. Ventilation, not hyperventilation. If you are working from home or self-isolating, open your windows regularly to air your home and keep a fresh flow of clean air and oxygen.

9. Vitamin D – you can still get your daily dose, even if the pharmacy has sold out and/or you are self-isolating and it’s important for your immune system. Aim for 15-20 minutes outdoors, which can be a walk, run or roll if you are fit and well or in your garden or back doorway if not.

10. Last, but by no means least: Don’t Panic. By being sensible and considerate of others we increase our chances of combating COVID-19 sooner, which is what we all want.

The Make Me A Plan Crew will be issuing regular blog and daily social media updates with helpful hints to promote wellbeing as Britain navigates through the COVID-19 crisis.

These will include recipes to use goods you might not have thought about, ideas to manage shortages of common items, pro tips on staying fit when your usual routine is not available and proactive risk management.

Next fortnight, I’ll be musing On Society. Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this topic you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

Anna

Principal Planner