Every day the count of COVID-19 cases is rising rapidly in India. While social distancing is one of the most important ways to defeat the threat, whether you’re staying in luxury apartments in Bangalore or eco-premium flats in Bangalore, living in a society can be challenging at this time.

While living in a 2 or 3BHK flat in Bangalore, you are exposed to a considerable number of people. Housing societies are adequately populated, where people live in close proximity and use common facilities like gym, swimming pool, jogging track etc. Hence, social distancing is challenging to maintain in a housing complex. You are using the same elevator or staircase, building entrance, touching the same handrails or elevator buttons as many others. And as we all know, the COVID-19 virus can linger on such surfaces for 24-72 hours.

For example, even if one out of the many people living in apartments in Whitefield contracts the virus, there is a good possibility it will spread like wildfire. You don’t have to live in perpetual fear of contracting the infection. There are a few things you can do that will keep you and your loved ones safe.

Residents:

1.Every time you touch anything outside your apartment, be it elevator buttons, staircase handrails or groceries,use sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water.

2.Do not touch your face, nose, eyes or mouth with unwashed hands.

3.Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

4.Avoid crowded places. Do not be part of any gatherings.

5.Stay away from anyone who seems sick in your housing society. Call them later to enquire after their health.

6.If you are running a fever or have a sore throat, self isolate yourself. If the symptoms worsen, contact a healthcare professional.

7.Avoid using common areas like the gym and swimming pool.

8.If anyone in your society has come in from abroad or any other state, request them to get tested for COVID-19 and stay quarantined within their apartments for at least 2 weeks.

9.Eat healthy and exercise regularly inside your apartment. These measures will boost your immunity.

Staff:

1.The security guards and other staff must wear masks at all times.

2.They should have a supply of hand sanitizers or soap and water to clean their hands with.

3.They should maintain a distance of 1 metre from people coming in from outside such as the newspaper boy or medicine delivery person.

4.Inform your domestic aid about all the safety measures being adopted and make sure he/she observes them as well.

Pets:

There is no evidence that pet animals can contract or spread COVID-19. But to be safe, make sure that your pet has been administered with all the vital vaccines. Give it a shower with deworming soap once every week. Postpone veterinary visits unless it’s an emergency. If you have a dog, walk your dog inside the apartment and request all dog-owners to do the same.

People in housing societies can protect themselves from coronavirus if they follow the guidelines strictly. They should stay home and maintain high standards of personal hygiene to safeguard their health.

The article was originally published at  DSR Blogs.