COVID-19 has arisen, taking over the schools, stores, restaurants, and the public’s freedom of leaving their house. As Americans prepare to stay home for another month (or longer), here are some ways to stay safe and healthy!
First, understand what COVID-19, or also known as the Coronavirus, is and what it does. This virus is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. There are many types of human coronaviruses according to Governor Ned Lamont’s COVID-19 information pdf, the most common causing mild upper respiratory tract illnesses. The most reported symptoms include mild-to-severe respiratory illness with fever, difficulty breathing, and coughing. There are 2-14 days when symptoms will develop and appear.
As of right now, there are no known cures or vaccines, but there have been a good amount of recoveries. The tests in the U.S. are very limited and if the curve keeps growing the country will not have enough resources for tests or medical attention. So let’s limit the spread of COVID-19!
During this pandemic, it is important to know how to stay safe. The CDC suggests the following:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice social distancing: limit public exposure and stay six feet apart when in public.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth while in public, the virus tends to linger in the air and on objects.
• Stay home when you are sick. If the immune system is weak, this makes the person more vulnerable to the virus. If you need to leave the house, wear a face mask to protect you and other people.
• Keep a healthy diet! The panic buying caused by the virus has limited many resources. It’s important to not only eat junk food but also remember to get in those nutrients and boost that immune system.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Again, the virus lingers in the area. The virus can spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and “ These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs,” according to the CDC.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. The virus is often transferred from contact with people and objects.

Although school is now online, this is not free time to hang with friends. How have Danburians stayed safe during this quarantine? Here are a few answers:

• Sebastian Parenti, a junior at Immaculate High, has spent his days invested in his technology, “ I just be chilling in the crib playing Xbox.”
• Jayda Jacobs, a sophomore at Danbury High, had referred to a famous meme as her motto to staying home, “this is real life, you either kill or get killed. Whachu gon do?”
• Alexsia Jacobs, a freshman at WestConn and Dunkin employee, says she tries to stay as safe as possible: “I wash my hands all the time, and shower as soon as I get home from work.”
• Storm Jacobs, a senior at Danbury High, follows the government suggested procedure, “I’m staying indoors as much as possible because I don’t want to be one of the casualties in the government’s attempt at population control.”
• Molly Mead, a senior at Danbury High, tries to keep as clean as she can: “I wash my hands every chance I get, before and after doing an activity, and when I get inside the house.”
• Chanthip Jacobs, a student transportation provider, keeps her family first doing everything to make sure they’re safe and healthy, “I make sure to keep the house sanitized and clean, and making sure everyone keeps their hands clean.”

Researchers suggest that COVID-19 is being spread by carriers who show no symptoms. Many experts suggest that the public stays home as much as possible. The sooner everyone stays inside and the virus is flatlined, the sooner life goes back to normal. Take this quarantine as a time to find new hobbies and work on staying healthy! Need more tips to stay safe? How to properly disinfect your house or clean your hands? Read about it on CDC’s website, for more helpful and accurate information.