![Airplane [image source: chau nguyen/ http://thedevilhatessweatpants.blogspot.com.au ], crowd ink, crowdink, crowdink.com, crowdink.com.au](https://crowdink.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Chau-airplane-218x150.jpg "5 Reasons You Should Travel Alone")
The coronavirus pandemic has had an unprecedented effect upon the world, with mass lockdowns and overwhelmed healthcare systems now becoming a normal factor in our everyday lives.
At the time of writing, there were 417,698 diagnosed COVID-19 cases globally, with over 18,500 deaths. In Australia there are currently just over 2000 confirmed cases, with 8 people dying from the virus.
Here in Australia, federal and state governments are taking drastic steps towards halting the spread of coronavirus with strict lockdowns and tough limitations on those in self-isolation. What can you do to help combat the spread of coronavirus?
Practice good infection control
Make good hand hygiene a habit by frequently washing your hands with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds, using hand sanitiser as a back-up option and keeping your hands away from your face. Thoroughly clean surfaces on a frequent basis, and ensure that you cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you are feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who is a confirmed case, it is imperative that you remain in complete self-isolation for 14 days.
Restrict your movement
The experts have strongly recommended social distancing and quarantine for a reason – they are two crucial ways to halt the spread of coronavirus. Keep a 1.5 metre distance between yourself and others if you have to leave the house but better yet, just stay at home. No one needs to go shopping for that dress they’ve been eyeing off at their favourite boutique in the midst of a pandemic – only leave the house for essential travel, such as work or supermarket trips, to minimise the risk of you and others falling ill.
Support local business where possible
Times are tough for small businesses who face significant financial strain in the face of widespread closures, so why not order takeaway from your local café or burger bar to help support them?
Respect one another
It’s important to stay united as a community more than ever before. Think before you post on social media, perform a kind gesture for someone who needs it, and don’t let your frustrations about the situation out on other people. Oh, and quit the panic buying – other people need toilet paper and pasta just as much as you do.
