As nearly the entire world goes into lockdown mode in efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, individuals are looking for ways to protect themselves and their families from contracting and spreading the virus.
We’ve talked about how to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak. This includes stocking up on essential items in the case of a total lockdown in your area, washing your hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding public spaces.
Aside from social distancing and hand washing, however, there are other things you can do to protect yourself against coronavirus and COVID-19. And, they’re all free. As a company operating within the financial industry, it’s important to us that we’re looking out for your physical and financial health.
With most countries now issuing free testing, here’s what to do to protect yourself against COVID-19 or care for yourself in the instance that you are experiencing symptoms.
How To Protect Yourself From Contracting COVID-19 for Free?
The CDC and the World Health Organization continue to note that the easiest way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. This can help stop the spread of germs.
On top of that, however, both health organizations have also begun to recommend social distancing. If you live in the United States or the UK, you’ve likely heard a lot about this term in the past week. It’s generally recommended to stay at home for the next few weeks to “flatten the curve,” but if you have to go out, you’ll want to practice social distancing.
Most governments have banned gatherings of more than 10 to 50 people. If you have to go out to shop for groceries or pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy, practice social distancing. Stand about six feet away from the people around you, even if you feel healthy and they’re not showing symptoms of any kind of sickness.
On top of staying at home (which is crucial in this point of the pandemic), health professionals also recommend avoiding touching your eyes, mouth and face in general. If you think you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it’s best to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days.
And, while this all might sound dire, it’s necessary for flattening the curve to ensure that we don’t overwhelm our hospitals and healthcare providers with cases. And, the best part (or, we might say, the silver lining)? It’s all free. Staying at home is free! You can save money on going out, eating out and other costly activities.
How To Care For Yourself When Experiencing Symptoms of COVID-19 for Free?
If you think that you’re experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus (shortness of breath, fever, dry cough) then medical professionals are actually recommending that you stay at home unless you’re an at-risk patient or someone with underlying medical conditions. Instead, call your local state or regional hotline.
A health professional will be able to guide you through the next steps. If you’re not an at-risk patient, they might suggest testing to confirm that you have the virus. Or, they might simply suggest that you stay at home and quarantine yourself for 14 while monitoring the symptoms to ensure they don’t get any worse.
This is to ensure that you don’t cause a run on the hospitals but that you’re able to stay home and avoid spreading the virus to others who might not have as strong of an immune system as you. The hotlines are free and will provide you with free guidance, assistance and, usually, medical consultation over the phone.
Want to get tested because you think you’ve been exposed to the virus? The U.S. government just passed legislation ensuring that every citizen will have free access to coronavirus testing in their state. This also includes the cost of a doctor’s visit or a trip to the emergency room.
However, as the legislation has only recently passed, hospitals and testing clinics are still beginning to organize their efforts. It’s still wise to contact your state or regional hotline in order to find out where the nearest testing facility is near you.
Saving Money During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Like many others around the world, the effects of coronavirus on local and national economies might leave you feeling anxious. Whether your job is on the line or you’ve been asked to stay at home in order to take care of children who are out of school, you’re likely feeling some sort of financial anxiety regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
And, we want you to know that we’re here for you. Our Cheese efforts in protecting your financial health haven’t changed. We offer a debit card with cashback and other savings bonuses without charging any fees at all. In times that are as uncertain as to the ones we are currently living in, this can relieve a bit of financial strain on individuals and families.
Sign up for a Cheese debit card today to get started.
