5 important questions about life during the coronavirus epidemic

1. What exactly does social distancing mean?

We have all heard that we need to limit contact with people. But how much exactly? Is it okay to go for a walk with a friend if you are asymptomatic and within two meters of each other? Is it safe to invite a couple of guests home if you have definitely not been in contact with carriers of the virus?

To answer such questions, it is worth remembering that the new coronavirus very contagious and is tolerated even by those who itself has no symptoms. Because of this, its spread is more difficult to control and requires strict self-isolation measures. It is impossible to be sure that you will not become a carrier of the virus and pass it on to a more vulnerable person.

Therefore, no matter how categorical it may sound, social distancing is primarily about creating physical distance. And it is most effective when the rules are followed by everyone. Communication is very important, but now it is better to switch to telephone calls and video calling.

2. Is it safe to order food at home

Yes, but take precautions. Pay for the order with a card so as not to give money on the spot. Ask to leave it under the door to shorten contacts. This will take care of both yourself and those who deliver the groceries.

The American edition of The Verge has compiled a memoHow to order takeout safely and ethically with the rules of safe and ethical delivery:

• Do not pick up the order in person from the courier.
• Throw away the packaging immediately.
• Wash your hands before eating.
• Leave a good tip.
• Support local business and order directly from the restaurant if possible.

3. How long does the virus live on different surfaces

New information appears constantly, so it is impossible to say with absolute certainty. According to the latest dataCoronavirus Resource Center researchers at Harvard Medical School, the virus survives:

• 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel.
• Up to 24 hours on cardboard.
• Four hours on copper surfaces.
• Up to three hours in the air.

Make it a rule to clean frequently touched surfaces every day with soapy water and a disinfectant. And of course, wash your hands often.

4. Is it possible to get coronavirus again

This is one of the most important questions that still remain unanswered. Usually, if a person becomes infected with some kind of infection, the body develops immunity to it and the likelihood of contracting it again is greatly reduced. According to Can you get the coronavirus twice? British doctors, with the coronavirus, is likely to be the same.

But a certain number of people can still become infected again, and the numbers cannot yet be predicted. Has alreadyThey Recovered From the Coronavirus. Were They Infected Again? cases where people recovered, and then their tests for the presence of the virus showed a positive result again. The human body does not yet have experience in dealing with a new type of coronavirus. Therefore, in someone the antibodies produced in the first period of the disease may disappear over time.

In short, do not assume that having been ill once, you are protected forever. The risk of a new infection may be very low, but still it cannot be said to be zero.

5. How age and health problems affect the course of illness

The risk of hospitalization and death increases steadily with age. However, this does not guarantee that you cannot become seriously ill if you are younger. According toSevere Outcomes Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - United States, February 12 – March 16, 2020 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14–20% of people under the age of 55 go to hospital, and 2–10% go to intensive care. And although mortality at this age is less than 1%, it is still there. These figures reflect the situation in the United States, but they are consistent with indicators in other countries.

In addition, it is knownPeople who are at higher risk for severe illness.that people with diseases of the heart, lungs, diabetes and a weakened immune system increases the risk of severe illness. We still have a lot to learn about the coronavirus, so caution must come first.