Living with Covid‑19: Your Everyday Survival Guide
Short & sweet: The key to staying safe is simple: take charge of your own health, test yourself when it makes sense, self‑isolate if you test positive, and get a doctor when you feel off.
Make It a Habit, Not a Hassle
- Personal Responsibility – Remember: you’re the captain of your own ship. Keep your distance, keep your mask, and stay mindful of the folks around you.
- Testing Power – Got a cough? Feel a bit sluggish? Grab a test. Quick results help you decide the next step.
- Isolation When Needed – A positive result? Time to quarantine. Think of it as a short vacation for your immune system.
- Doctor Check‑Up – Symptoms start to stack? Don’t wait—call a medical pro. Early detection keeps the illness under control.
Why This Toolkit Matters
Staying ahead of Covid‑19 isn’t just about lockdowns; it’s about everyday vigilance. With the right tools in hand, you can protect yourself and your family, keeping the virus at bay without losing your sense of humor.
How to prepare yourself
1. Thermometer
Quick Tip: Keep a Thermometer Handy
Have a thermometer on hand—it’s your best friend when you feel a little off.
- Instant check: A quick temp read can confirm whether you’re clamping down on a fever.
- Stay prepared: Keep the device in a pocket or bag so you can grab it anytime.
- Buddy system: If you’re not comfortable measuring yourself, a friend can give the scoop.
2. Oximeter
Why Your Oximeter Is Your New Best Friend
Ever seen a little gadget that pops up a screen with numbers like a magic 8-ball but for your health? That’s the oximeter – your pocket‑sized health detective.
The Numbers That Speak Volumes
- 90–94 % – Low: Heads up, something’s amiss.
- 95–100 % – Healthy: All good, keep it up!
- Below 90 % – Dangerously Low: Time to run to the ER faster than a YouTube cat video!
How It Works – Simple, No Snakes Involved
Slide the tiny sensor onto your fingertip and hit the button. In just a few seconds, your body does all the hard work, and the screen will flash two numbers – the O₂ level and your pulse.
What It’s Good For (But Not A Replacement For)
While it’s a great early warning detector, an oximeter won’t replace a COVID‑19 test. Low oxygen could be due to a host of other issues – think a cold, asthma flare‑up, or even a sneaky drop in heart function.
Bottom line: Keep an eye on those numbers, and if anything looks off, don’t wait – get in the ER and let the pros take the wheel. Your body will thank you, and you’ll avoid being the person who missed that dangerous dip!
3. Antigen rapid test (ART) kits
Got Your ART Kit? Let’s Make the Most Out of It
First things first – keep a double duty stash of ART self‑test kits at home. More than one means you can skip the waiting room and go straight to results whenever you need.
Read the Manual Like a Detective
Every brand speaks its own language. Take time to read the instructions carefully. Tiny differences in steps or timing can change the outcome.
Before You Flip the Switch
- Choose a breezy spot – a well‑ventilated room away from racks of other gadgets.
- Find a flat place for the cartridge. A mirror and a stopwatch can become your best friends here.
- Keep it clean – surfaces like bathroom tiles are easy to wipe down.
Waste Management – The “Throw it in the Trash” Chorus
When the kit’s finished, follow these steps to keep the world (and your neighbors) happy:
- Bag it – place all used items in a plastic or sealable bag and seal it tight.
- The second bag – put the first bag inside another plastic bag.
- Secure it – tie the outer bag shut.
- Get rid of it – toss it into the rubbish chute or pedal bin right away.
Remember the Bottom Line
With everything set, you can handle your ART test confidently, safely, and with a splash of humor. Stay handy, stay prepared, and keep that kit handy for when you need it!
4. Masks
Keep Your Mask Game Strong: Why You Need Better Masks at Home
Hey there, mask‑mishandler! If you’re still hanging on those cheap, laundry‑machine‑tested cloth masks, it’s time to upgrade. Let’s crack the code on why you should have high‑filtration masks on standby—and how many you actually need.
Why Any Cloth Mask Won’t Cut It
- Low Blockage: Most cloth masks block 30–50% of particles. That’s like leaving a 100‑foot hole in a moat.
- Unpredictable Fit: They sag, they flap—nothing keeps sneezes from leaking out.
- No Regulation: No standard of ‘what constitutes a protective mask.’
What’s the Perfect Home‑Mask Arsenal?
- Standard Surgical Masks: These are the “no‑frills” champions. 95%+ filtration for droplets—just like a stoic guardian.
- Masks with Filters: Think KN95, N95, or P100 respirators. They’re the Swiss Army knives of mask tech—filtering viruses, dust, and more.
How Many Masks Should You Keep?
Think of it like a “too‑soon‑in‑the‑morning” band‑aid—once the first one’s damp, you gotta swap. A good rule of thumb: one mask per person, plus a spare for each. So for a family of four, you’re looking at at least 12 quality masks. Feel free to add a few extra for those ‘heavy‑traffic’ days.
Quick Bullet‑Proof Checklist
- Buy 2–3 high‑filtration masks per household member.
- Rotate masks every 24 hours (or sooner if they get wet).
- Keep a station by the door to switch masks without missing a beat.
- Communicate: Let everyone know it’s not just “any mask”—it’s a serious enemy.
Wrap‑up (and a little humor)
Remember: a mask is like a secret handshake that lets you stay close to others. But if you’re wearing the wrong handshake, you might just be exchanging pairs of private notes. Upgrade, rotate, and keep your family safe—but also, have fun proof‑reading this—because the only thing more dramatic than a bad mask is a silent sneeze that turns into an auditory explosion!
How to prepare your home
1. Cleaning, disinfection supplies and personal hygiene
Keeping Your Home a Clean and Safe Haven When a Family Member Gets Covid‑19
When the sniffles turn into a full‑blown Covid saga, one of the most disappointing parts is figuring out how to keep the house spotless without turning it into a science lab. Good news: you don’t need a full‑blown arsenal—just a few essential items and a dash of humour. Here’s the low‑down on what to stock, how to use it, and why everything matters.
1⃣ The Must‑Have Cleaning Kit
Think of it as your personal sanitisation squad:
- Hand sanitizer (60–95% alcohol) – The higher the alcohol, the happier your hands will be after a splash!
- Soap – Because a soap‑soaked towel is still better than a dry mop.
- Disinfectant wipes – Quick‑clean, no‑mess, perfect for the living room, kitchen counter, or that annoying corner of the bathroom where no one wants to touch.
- Bleach (a mild solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) – Your secret weapon for deeper, stubborn germs.
Why These Are Game‑Changers
— Hygiène at a glance: Surface cleanliness is the first line of defence against airborne nibbles. A clean toilet, a wiped kitchen, a sparkling counter—these are your invisible shields.
— Alcohol content matters: 60–95% alcohol wipes do a far better job at neutralising the virus than the under‑30% varieties. The difference? A much cleaner weekend.
— Keep it local: A single set of items means you’re not sharing germ‑laden tools. After all, “sharing” means sharing cutting… matters.
2⃣ Daily Cleaning Routine (No Boring Routines Allowed!)
Turn cleaning into a mini‑adventure: spray, wipe, and hope the surface’s sparkle gets a selfie. Your checklist for the day:
- Morning hand wash or sanitizer after you’ve hopped out of bed.
- Twice‑daily wipe the kitchen counter—Morning coffee and evening dessert won’t feel guilty.
- Once a day disinfect the bathroom surface—because a bit of bleach goes a long way.
- Every time the fluish arrives, a quick room scrubbing will keep the whole family safe.
3⃣ Personal Items: Special “Keep‑Your‑Own” Policy
Forget the danger of sharing: Cutlery, food steamer, even the humble toothpaste is a shared germ superhighway! The rule of thumb?
- Use personal to‑the‑point utensils for everyone. Chopsticks for you? Yumi, for you. Upgrade to a sleek dining set.
- Even the bathroom can have individual toilet paper roll. Yes, the revolution is real.
- Consider swapping out or sanitising shared razors, toothbrushes, and scarves to keep the cleanliness level high.
Bottom Line: Hygiene Matters, Even When You’re Trying to Keep Your Chill Down
Cleaning at home is less about ritual and more about defenses. Grab your sanitizer, make the wipes part of your morning morning, and keep personal spaces personal. With these simple steps, your home can stay welcoming, safe, and slightly cleaner fun‑filled.
2. Have a support system
Staying Home? These Tips Will Keep Your Pantry Stocked!
When you’re stuck at home because you’re feeling under the weather, you can’t just hop onto the highway and grab your usual groceries. Instead, let’s make sure you’re pre‑loaded with everything you’ll need for the next few days.
1. Get Your Shopping List Right!
- Check what you already have. Count the staples and coffee at home.
- Make a short, sweet list. Write down the essentials: milk, bread, protein, and any household item you’re running low on.
- Plan a delivery or pickup. Many supermarkets now offer same‑day delivery, which keeps your faucet from running dry.
2. Build a Backup Plan
Having a support network is key. If you’re feeling fab or just have a form of depression, you can always turn to a neighbor, friend or family member who can step in to get your groceries.
- Ask a close caller or a buddy to help.
- Set a “Hey! I’m going out for groceries.” call. Simple, honest, and nobody will object.
- In return, let them know how you appreciate their help.
3. Keep the Mood Light
Remind yourself that every time you run out of your favourite snack you’re one step closer to a full inventory. And while you’re at it, you can treat the pantry like a mini pantry‑cake, a la jackpot! “Food” should be fun, not just functional.
ALSO READ: 10 more seniors die from Covid‑19 in Singapore on Oct 11
If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the latest numbers, the Straits Times break the news with a big headline.
Keep Safe, Keep Well! You’ll be doing yourself a favor by preparing ahead and having a support system readily available, while also staying healthy and cheerful.
COVID‑19 | Coronavirus | Health and Wellbeing
