5 Extra Safety Measures You Can Take When Heading Out

Keep yourself and the people around you safe from the virus

With enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the recently placed modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), a lot of us in the NCR+ bubble find ourselves at home for a longer period of time. But it’s inevitable for everyone to completely stay in. Some others have to work onsite, while delivery services might not have the essential items you’re looking for, which is totally understandable. 

So if you find yourself having to take a trip to the outside world, keep these extra safety measures in mind while you head out in the middle of the pandemic.

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Practice double masking

Yes, double your masks. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Leopoldo “Bong” Jumalon Vega recommends double masking as we continue going out, to further protect ourselves from the virus. An additional layer of protection is needed, especially with the rise of the mutant variants. To properly double mask, The New York Times recommends layering a cloth mask over a surgical one to make sure that the fit is snug against our faces and most of the areas are covered.

Always keep alcohol on hand

None of us know how the items we’re about to touch were held and handled before us. Before we know it, the surface we touch might already have some of the virus particles. So before you plop down on the waiting chair or pick up an item, make sure to spray some alcohol on it and then your hands to kill possible virus particles present.

After all of that, don’t forget to wash your hands as soon as you get home.

Continue social distancing

Being way too close is a red flag in this era. Stay at least six feet or two arm's length away from the next person. Remember, the virus can be transmitted by coming in close contact with infected persons or coming into contact with surfaces that have the virus particles. So when some areas may get a tad bit crowded, let’s take it upon ourselves to keep a reasonable distance from other people to curb the virus.

Go cashless for transactions

f you’re out for a grocery run or food run, going cashless helps you limit your contact with strangers. Sometimes it is unavoidable to use cash but if the establishment allows paying with cards or through cashless payment channels, it’d be better to go down that route. Why? These options can be done contactless and at a distance. Plus, you’ll be disinfecting more or less only one item. 

Start your shift to safe, secure and cashless payments with GCash. From paying bills, buying prepaid load and more, Gcash has got you covered.

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Keep your trips out short

It’s understandable that the cabin fever’s getting to us and we’d want to make the most of our days out. But maybe this time around, we can skip the detours and stick to the agenda for the day just to limit the time we’re exposed in public areas. Try heading out during off-hours, such as first thing in the morning, to avoid the peak hours of different establishments. This way, you won’t find yourself in long lines.

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Looking for other ways to bring your favorite outside activities at home? Recreate samgyupsal nights with these delivery services. If that’s not your thing, cozy up in front of your home theatre and binge-watch these Netflix titles coming this April, just like at the cinemas!