COVID-19 Prevention Tips: 15 Risky Habits & Behaviors That Could Spread Coronavirus by Jagdish Khubchandani

Societies today are more diverse than ever. We have developed a tolerance for a variety of behaviors due to greater amalgamation of cultures, traditions, etiquettes and norms. In general, we tend to ignore unhealthy and unsanitary behaviors in the guise of other peoples’ choices, personality types, family habits or culture. 

Unfortunately, during and after the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic crisis, we need greater awareness, collective action and common civic behaviors driven by scientific evidence on the prevention of transmission of coronavirus. We must also not hesitate from educating or questioning family members, colleagues and the general public on behaviors that pose danger to self and the society.

Given the current evidence on mechanisms of transmission and action of COVID-19, a list of behaviors and habits to be avoided is as follows and should be used as a standard checklist for individuals and families:

1. Sneezing and coughing without covering face around family members and in public.

2. Not washing hands after using restrooms, coming back from public places, after grocery shopping, pumping gas, using elevators or using high-traffic doorknobs or electric switches.

3. Using carryout or delivery as the sole means of food and doing it for every meal, every day. Also, not eating enough or eating unhealthy foods.

4. Not washing produce, fruits and vegetables and eating immediately in aisles, stores or cars after buying these products.

5. Reusing wipes, masks, gloves and personal-care devices without cleaning or sanitizing.

6. Not cleaning your desk space, cellphones and computer devices for several days.

7. Growing hair, beard and nails or using hair and face accessories without maintaining hygiene.

8. Wearing the same clothes for many days and not doing laundry frequently or without detergent.

9. Nose picking, nail biting, thumb sucking and rubbing eyes. This is bad for the person doing it and for others.

10. Scratching head, face or body. If there is no skin disease, this could be anxiety and also poses risk due to the transmission of the virus from nose and face.

11. Not taking showers. Many are now confined to homes and may neglect daily routines. COVID19 can live on surfaces from hours to several days, so taking a shower daily will ensure people are protected.

12. Leaning on surfaces and others, exchanging hugs and kisses, handshakes, having multiple sexual contacts, or intimate relationships with multiple new people.

13. Dropping or accumulating leftovers and edibles, trash, masks and gloves in cars and in public places.

14. Walking around the house with shoes. Especially, for health-care workers, all shoes need to be removed outside and use different pairs of shoes and clothes for work and home.

15. Littering inside and around the house could increase the risk for household members while littering around the community can burden the sanitation workers. Recent instances of people throwing used masks and gloves in public places will increase the risk for waste management workers and trash pickers.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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