New normal is a change in behavior or habits to continue to carry out activities as usual but by always implementing health protocols in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This government appeal recommends that we can live "side by side" with a virus that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives around the world.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, almost everyone has experienced obstacles to lead a normal life due to the restrictions that need to be taken to prevent transmission of the Corona virus.
However, with the end of these restrictions, the government advises us to start carrying out activities as usual, of course while adhering to the COVID-19 prevention protocol.
This encourages us to be more aggressive in implementing basic COVID-19 prevention measures, such as washing hands with soap and running water or with hand sanitizer, do not touch the face with unwashed hands, apply physical distancing, as well as wearing a mask in every activity, especially in public places.
How to be active during New Normal
Here are the important things you need to know to deal with new normal:
1. When you have to leave the house and come back home
Application new normal will make us more relaxed to leave the house. However, given that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, we must continue to apply basic precautions whenever and wherever we are.
In addition, do not force yourself to leave the house when you are not fit. When the need is finished, immediately return home. When you get home, do the following:
- Take off your shoes before entering the house.
- Spray disinfectant on the footwear and equipment you use.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Take off the clothes you are wearing and put them in a closed laundry immediately.
- Shower and change into clean clothes before relaxing or gathering with family.
2. When using public transportation
If you have to travel somewhere and use public transportation, there are several things to consider besides implementing basic precautions.
To make it easier for you to keep your hands clean, always carry it hand sanitizer. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Also, make sure you bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the trip.
The most important thing to remember while on public transportation is to reduce interaction and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from other passengers. If this is not possible, you should not use public transportation.
3. While working in the office
start new normal will make employees return to work in the office gradually after several months of working from home. now, to stay safe and avoid the Corona virus at work, you need to apply physical distancing in every activity in the office.
When doing activities at your desk or at a meeting, make sure the distance between the chairs is at least 1 meter. If there are co-workers who sit less than that distance, don't hesitate to reprimand and remind them to keep their distance.
Likewise at lunch. If previously you used to eat in the canteen, in the meantime try to always bring lunch from home so you don't have to go to crowded places to buy food. When eating lunch together at the office, keep your distance from your co-workers.
If you are sick, ask permission to be absent from work, or if possible, work from home for a while.
4. When shopping
If you have to go shopping for groceries, chances are you will meet a lot of people. Remember, always apply physical distancing, yes.
Limit touching items in stores and in public places. After touching these items, do not touch your face or personal items, such as bags and WL, before washing hands. The goal is to reduce the risk of being contaminated with the Corona virus.
In addition, try not to linger while shopping. Write down what items need to be purchased and go straight to the cashier when you have all of them.
This also applies if you and your family eat at a restaurant. When eating, of course you have to take off the mask. So, choose a place to eat with good ventilation so that there is air exchange in the place. Remember, always keep your distance from other people, including waiters, other visitors, and cashiers, yes.
When paying, use a cashless payment method to prevent contamination. However, if this is not possible, be sure to wash your hands immediately after handling money or cards.
5. When shopping on line or order food on line
Since the pandemic, shopping on line more and more in demand, because people can shop easily without having to leave the house. Through shopping on line, we can buy food, drink, or items that we need even though almost all of them mall and shopping centers are closed during PSBB.
Even so, there are a few things you should pay attention to, namely:
- Avoid direct contact with the courier. If necessary, wear a mask when transacting.
- Try to pay for groceries non-cash to minimize interaction with the courier.
- Provide a special place for the courier to put your ordered goods, so you don't have to meet directly or come into contact with the courier when receiving the goods.
- Unwrap the package outside the house and immediately throw the package in the trash or spray the package with a disinfectant before bringing it into the house.
- For food, do not spray disinfectant on the packaging. Simply open and remove the wrapper, then transfer the food to a plate. Do not eat food straight from the container.
- After opening the package of goods or food, wash your hands immediately with soap and running water.
6. When in need of health services
Instead of consulting directly with a doctor at the hospital, it's better to use the facilities telemedicine. You can use the ALODOKTER application to consult with general practitioners and specialists.
You can also make a consultation appointment with a doctor at the hospital through the ALODOKTER application if you really need an examination or direct treatment from a doctor.
Consult on line Through health applications, it is considered safer to prevent transmission of the Corona virus, especially for people with diseases that are susceptible to COVID-19, such as diabetes or heart disease.
If you have a baby who needs to be immunized or you are pregnant and need a pregnancy check-up, follow the immunization and prenatal check-up guidelines recommended by your doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though life with new normal has been declared by the government, does not mean the Corona virus has disappeared and is no longer a threat. Therefore, you still have to strengthen your immune system by paying attention to nutrition and fluid intake, as well as implementing a healthy lifestyle, such as getting enough rest, exercising regularly, managing stress well, and not smoking.
It's important to remember, don't force yourself to leave the house if you're not feeling well, especially if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat. Immediately self-isolate. That way, you will also protect others from the risk of being exposed to the Corona virus.
In addition, contact also hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further guidance. If you meet the criteria, the health office can pick you up and take you directly to the nearest health service facility or COVID-19 referral hospital to get treatment.