It was late last year when the COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China. Just recently, it was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of this writing, it has affected more than 130,000 people all over the world according to the most recent data from the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering’s Centers for Systems Science and Engineering. While 69,000 have recovered worldwide, at least 5,000 people have died and the numbers keep rising by the minute.
In times like this, safety should be everybody’s priority. Here are five (5) simple yet significant ways to avoid COVID-19:
Always Be Informed. – The more you know about this virus, the more you know how to fight it. Make it a habit to read news only from WHO, DOH, and other credible sites. Reading and sharing news that are not verified may add to panic and distress not just to you but to other people. Don’t forget to look for positive news amidst the chaos.
Practice Sanitation and Proper Hygiene. – Wash your hands with soap. Proper hand washing is being advised like never before to help kill the spread of the virus. Keeping homes, offices, schools, and other establishments clean should also be an utmost priority. Just recently Metro Manila and other cities and provinces suspended classes to make way for cleaning and sanitation.
Boost Your Immune System. – Many people have recovered and are recovering from COVID-19. Boosting our immune system will increase our chance at survival. Drink lots of water, take vitamins, eat healthy, and exercise!
Social Distancing / Self Quarantine. – The government is encouraging the people to stay at home as much as possible to limit their exposure to corona virus. In light of this, DOH has requested event organizers to cancel concerts and other forms of mass gatherings for the public’s safety. The President also recently ordered lockdown or community quarantine in Metro Manila from March 15 to April 14, 2020 to minimize potential spread of COVID-19. Due to this, most people are queuing up on grocery stores to stock up on food and other necessities. This is a gentle reminder to not hoard items especially alcohol and cleaning materials to ensure others can protect themselves, too.
Go Cashless. – WHO officials warn that coronavirus can spread through handling money and urge people to use credit cards or electronic payments instead. They said since the virus is droplet based and can stick to surfaces for several days, bank notes and coins might be virus carriers. No credit card? No problem. Use GCash instead via Scan-to-Pay (STP) via Pay QR Code or Barcode payment system.
GCash is an app that helps you make fast and secure mobile payments. It is regulated by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It lets you buy load, send money to another GCash account, bank transfer, pay bills, pay online, save money, invest, and more! As of 2019, it has over 20 million users!
GCash is accepted in Puregold, Bon Chon, Army Navy and over 73,000 other partner merchants!
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.