You’ve been stuck at home for weeks—no trips out, no visitors. And then, the toilet breaks. The dishwasher starts making a loud noise. The sink leaks. Or, in our case, we woke up to a complete internet outage. You need help from the outside.
As much as we try to avoid it, there may come a time when you have to let someone into your home. Sure, you could try fixing things yourself with some tools and YouTube tutorials—but if that’s not an option, you’ll need to prepare for a visitor or two.
Here’s what you should know:
- **Assume everyone is infected**, even if they don’t look sick. Some people carry the virus without showing symptoms, and others can spread it before they feel unwell.
- **Social distancing is key**. The best way to reduce transmission is to keep people out of your house.
- **Airborne particles are a big concern**. SARS-CoV-2 can linger in the air for up to three hours, so take steps to reduce airborne exposure.
- **Surfaces can be contaminated**, so have a plan to disinfect high-touch areas.
- **Feces and shoes** might also carry the virus. Consider how to handle these potential vectors if you want to go the extra mile.
- **Talk to the person beforehand**. Make sure they understand the safety measures are for their protection too.
Keep in mind, though, that these are just guidelines. Many people may take offense to being treated like they’re carrying germs, so approach the situation with care but firmness. These strategies are meant to protect both you and the person entering your home.
Also, remember: these are **mitigation strategies**, not foolproof solutions. The safest choice is to avoid letting strangers into your home altogether.
---
### Breath: Yours and Theirs
The main way SARS-CoV-2 spreads is through the air. A study published in *The New England Journal of Medicine* found that the virus can remain airborne for up to three hours. That means watching both your breath and theirs is crucial.
Here’s how you can reduce the risk:
#### Distance
Your best defense is **keeping your distance**. If possible, leave the house while the worker is inside. This reduces exposure, but it also brings other risks like theft. Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
If leaving isn’t an option, isolate the worker in a separate room with the door closed. At minimum, stay at least six feet apart. Some experts argue that six feet may not be enough, so the more space, the better.
Even if you're not in the house during the visit, don’t assume it's safe to re-enter immediately. Viral particles can accumulate over time, especially in enclosed spaces.
#### Face Masks
Masks are essential. **Insist that your guest wears one**, and make sure **everyone in your home is masked** as well. N95 respirators are ideal, but if they’re unavailable, a well-fitted cloth mask is still better than nothing.
Remember, masks help but aren’t a perfect solution. They reduce the spread of droplets but don’t block all airborne particles.
#### Ventilation
Open windows and use fans to increase airflow. Pulling in fresh air and expelling stale air helps reduce the concentration of viral particles in the air.
If possible, **close off rooms** the worker won’t be using. This limits the spread of droplets to other areas of the house.
Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, but don’t rely on it as your main defense.
#### Time
The virus can stay airborne for up to three hours. So, **if you can, stay away from the house for at least three hours after the worker leaves**. If that’s not possible, avoid the area where the worker was for at least that long.
---
### Surfaces
After the air, **surfaces are the next concern**. The virus can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. So, after your guest leaves, **clean and disinfect everything they touched**.
Use EPA-approved disinfectants like:
- 70% or higher rubbing alcohol
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
- Lysol spray
- Bleach (4 teaspoons per quart of water)
Make sure to clean large surfaces like countertops, tables, and floors. Follow the CDC’s guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting your home.
---
### Feces
Although less common, **fecal transmission is still a possibility**. If your guest uses the bathroom, make sure to **ventilate the room and clean it thoroughly afterward**.
---
### Shoes
Shoes can carry viruses from outside into your home. **Ask guests to remove their shoes** or wear disposable shoe covers. If that’s not practical, have them **spray their shoes with a disinfectant** before entering.
We recommend keeping a box of **disposable shoe covers** by the door for easy access.
---
### Putting It All Together: An Ideal Routine
Here’s a step-by-step plan to follow:
1. **Discuss safety protocols** with the person before they arrive.
2. **Close off unused rooms** and open windows for ventilation.
3. **Leave the house** while the worker is inside, or leave a key in a safe spot.
4. **Provide disinfectant** at the door for shoe cleaning.
5. **Offer a mask** if you have extras.
6. **Stay away** until the worker is done, and pay via electronic transfer or mail.
7. **Wait at least three hours** before returning.
8. **Enter alone and wear a mask** to minimize exposure.
9. **Disinfect all surfaces** the worker touched.
10. **Wash your hands thoroughly** after finishing.
This is an **ideal scenario**, but even partial implementation can significantly lower your risk. Remember, these are **mitigation strategies**, not guarantees. But when combined, they offer the best protection available.
Kitchen Storage Hardware,Kitchen Larder Pantry Unit,Waste Bins,Hanging Metal Basket
Foshan Gruwill Hardware Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.zsgruwill.com