How do you stay healthy in times of coronavirus, when it is important to keep a physical distance in order not to pass on the infection? Here are six tips on how to stay corona safe. We also share some thoughts on Covid-19. Stay safe!
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Changing your habits
In times of the spread of the coronavirus, we all need to rethink, but this is not always easy. It's important not to spread the infection to risk groups, and it's also important to slow down the rate of spread so that healthcare providers have a chance to catch up. But it's not always easy to change habits, sometimes it's "just like that".
We try to be careful to wash our hands, and equip ourselves with hand sanitiser when we leave the house. But it is yet difficult. Suddenly I see Peter scratching his face.
"Stop that," I say, pulling his hand down.
"But I haven't touched anything!?"
"But you just held the handrail on the metro!"
"Did I?"
Six ways to stay healthy in times of coronavirus
Greeting others is another challenge for us. Peter is one of those spontaneous people who likes to give people a hug. He really has to be careful not to fall into old habits. But we've been practising, so we'll get it right! Here are six tips on how to stay healthy in times of coronavirus.
1. Health with the knuckle
Recently, we have met several people who have chosen to greet by letting their knuckles meet. There is still some physical contact, but you avoid touching someone with your fingers (which you may unconsciously put in their face).
2. shake foot ("Wuhan shake")
We have also seen tips on the internet about the "Wuhan shake" greeting, which is said to come directly from the virus' home city of Wuhan. You simply shake your feet together broadside.
3. hug yourself
Hugging others is not recommended to protect them (and yourself) from possible infection. But you can still hug yourself! Self-hugging can be a symbolic act that shows that you are hugging in spirit.
4. High Five air
"High Five Air" is Peter's contribution. High fives are fine, as long as you avoid letting your hands meet. Just put your palms in the air and do a high five without touching each other.
5. elbow strike
Another greeting we have seen on social media is the 'elbow bump'. Bend your elbow and make a punch, preferably so that you then bounce off each other to a safe distance.
6. Vinka
Waving is a classic that always works. The beauty of this greeting is that it can be done from several metres away. Wave, wave, wave!
... or no health at all?
But not saying hello at all? In times of fear, it is easy to avoid others "like the plague" and look the other way. That can be a shame, after all. In times like these, we all need some love and cheerful greetings, even if they should be more distant than usual.
Thoughts on Covid-19
I have read a lot about Covid-19, in different English language newspapers, and what I understand is that the situation is complex. The world's most prominent scientists in the field are doing their best to find solutions, but the fact is that no one can predict exactly what will happen.
Humility in the face of a complex situation
When I realise how difficult this is, I am extremely humbled. I am also a bit surprised at how confident many people are about the best solution in every situation. There are people who have dedicated their lives to researching viruses and they still don't always know which is the best way to go. But the rest of us, who have not spent a single day of our lives researching viruses, know without a doubt what is best. Isn't that unreasonable? I think we have to be a bit humble.
Kindness to our fellow human beings
Many people are scared and worried, and many have thoughts about the nasty virus that is now affecting our daily lives. It is not surprising that we all have slightly different thoughts. Some are worried about their health or that of their loved ones, while others see their life's work falling apart and wonder how they will be able to pay their bills.
Some of us believe in some solutions, and some of us believe in others. But before you make an angry comment, remember that none of us really know what is best. We all want the same ending. We all want this to be over. It's a difficult time, and we need to support each other and shower each other with kindness, not harsh words.
What will happen?
Nobody knows what will happen, but the situation is difficult from several aspects. Many countries have chosen to close borders, schools, restaurants, hotels and shops. This will probably limit and slow down the spread of infection, but what happens when they reopen? Will we get a new spread then?
The alternative, of course, is to stay closed for so long that the infection dies out completely in the world, but we have read that the pandemic can last (come and go in waves) for 12 or 18 months. What country can stay closed for that long, without total economic and social collapse? And what would happen to the people, on a psychological level? Or would it be a case of opening the borders after a few months, but with the completely different entry controls than we are used to?
After a while, of course, more and more people become immune, which slows down the spread, but since this is a new virus, it seems that we can't even know for sure how this immunity works. Moreover, viruses can mutate, and then the risk is that you are back to square one.
We can hope for a vaccine eventually, although most people think it will take time. A vaccine would solve many of the problems we face today. In the meantime, we need to work together to slow down the spread of the disease and protect those at risk, so that the healthcare system can cope and so that as many people as possible can come out of this in one piece. Somehow we also need to keep the economy going and support businesses so they don't go bankrupt, which is a challenge. Many industries are already in crisis.
Is there any positive news?
Many people are making fantastic efforts in this chaos, not least all the healthcare staff of course, but also everyone else who is helping Sweden to continue to function reasonably well. We have also seen many examples of great initiatives, such as universities making hand sanitiser, companies offering face masks, shops with special opening hours for risk groups and people helping the elderly to shop. Go, go, go!
In Sweden, we can be out in nature, and as long as you keep some distance from others, being outdoors is good for both body and soul. Take the opportunity to enjoy forests, lakes, seas and nature reserves!
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Lena - good for the soul says:
That thing about hugging yourself was nice and cute! But of course it is unusual not to greet as usual.
Well, damn if this is going to go on month after month. The main concern is the world economy.
Hug Lena (hehe a cyber hug works too!)
21 March 2020 - 8:21
Helena says:
The economic situation also scares us. And thinking about all the small business owners, restaurant owners for example, how will they cope with this if it goes on and on?
21 March 2020 - 10:26
Madde says:
What a great post. Agree with you on everything. The hysteria solves absolutely nothing, but normal precautions do. Cyber hugs to you
21 March 2020 - 8:35
Helena says:
Thank you Madde! I don't think panic is constructive in any way either. But we are certainly trying to help slow down the spread, for the sake of healthcare and risk groups.
21 March 2020 - 10:29
bmlarstravellingblog says:
Nicely written post!
Down here in Spain we have used several of the greetings; the 'self-hug', the elbow greeting and a hand up in the air.
Those of us who follow the Swedish situation from a distance have almost gained a new idol, Anders Tegnell, who day after day, in an objective and somewhat dry manner, has conveyed a calm and clear message. No matter how serious the situation becomes, hysteria does not make things better.
21 March 2020 - 9:15
Helena says:
Thank you very much! No, I don't think panic is the solution either. Moreover, it is important that the measures implemented are well thought out, so that there are no populist decisions to score political points. After all, this shutdown of the world also results in a lot of negative things that are almost impossible to oversee.
21 March 2020 - 10:31
Ama de casa says:
We have always found the Thai greeting to be both beautiful and hygienic. ?
The fact that doctors have greeted you with a handshake in hospitals has not felt right either. We have discussed this many times over the years. But... I once kissed my doctor on both cheeks when I was soooo happy about an ok stamp, so maybe I don't always live as I learn 😉.
But of course, that was back when corona was still just a beer...
21 March 2020 - 10:21
Helena says:
Yes, it is also a perfect greeting in these times! 🙂 Can probably agree that doctors do not need to shake hands, it is quite unnecessary.
21 March 2020 - 10:32
Maria / MagnoliaMagis says:
Isn't it interesting what habits are ingrained! I am also a big-hug hugger and I really have to hug myself hard to remember not to do this with others... Here we wave if we meet someone. I can say that the squirrel does not seem to care one bit..Not the birds and the little forest mouse either. I have had low energy for a while so I am quietly enjoying taking the teacup outside and just listening, smelling and looking at our garden. (hm..is that right? Worked, walked and been on edge at the slightest sound from the phone because of coming grandchildren etc.)
The good thing is that in these times, people's helpfulness actually comes out! A lot of positive things in the wake of this. By the way, have you noticed that the media has been silent about shootings and explosions? What happened to this? Do the gangsters have corona or are they in quarantine?
No, now the sun is shining on my screen here so I want it to stop... 😉 Hug each other!
21 March 2020 - 10:22
Helena says:
Isn't it nice to hear about all the helpfulness! Such news really makes you feel good! And yes, I have thought a bit about the violence, I also think it has been a little less, although the other day it was some big headline again.
21 March 2020 - 10:33
Mum c says:
I have hardly seen anyone since the quarantine ban. Except for our Scottish neighbours who I see every day. We wave to each other and talk.
Carin
21 March 2020 - 10:37
Helena says:
Nice to have someone to wave to and talk to anyway! Wishing you a nice weekend in the middle of all this!
21 March 2020 - 15:03
Emma, sun like sun? says:
When you see him scratching his face, is he wearing gloves? One variant is to wear a pair of thinner gloves, for example, there are many flexible gardening gloves, both stylish and cheeky and do not cost much. I put that on when I went out this week because then you think in a different way about touching your face. When I got to the shop, I put the obligatory plastic gloves on top. Went very well. And I could poke the mobile phone with one of those sticks with a plug on it. Seized the son's.
The best thing is not to touch others at all for the time being, one to two metres is the recommendation. This is what can feel so strange and silly when you meet someone you know, I am also a hugger. But the bottom line is that EVERYONE has to try to think about what they are doing to control the situation, that even if it doesn't go away, maybe it will calm down, that the medical services will be able to cope, that people can do their jobs. Ama's tip about the Thai greeting was nice.
In Sweden you can still go out, don't restaurants offer takeaway food? I think as an alternative ...
21 March 2020 - 13:54
Helena says:
Thanks for the tip Emma, we've started wearing gloves a bit more often actually, you think about it a bit more then, I agree. Yes, in Sweden it is a bit different. You can go to a restaurant if you want, but many restaurants have a hard time with very few guests. And yes, many offer takeaway food now!
21 March 2020 - 15:05
Biggeros says:
All kinds of greetings are good except the bad intimate ones. I bet on the wine greeting which always works but the hug-yourself greeting is very cute =)
Here in Spain we are in quarantine and trying to limit the spread. The first week the number of infected people has increased significantly but probably next week the spread should be halved. As I said, all means to stop the spread are good<3
Hugs
21 March 2020 - 15:20
I Monica says:
Hand on heart, a little smile and a little bow is the best. Conveys the most warmth. It is used by women who are not allowed to greet men, then they have to leave the job interview immediately. Now no one should shake hands. How things can change in this world 🙂 I was on a retreat in Sigtuna organised by KS. You could participate in communion, but those who did not want to enjoy the gathering, songs, etc. they put their hand on the heart and were blessed, all happy and satisfied and experienced warmth and love.
21 March 2020 - 17:30
BP says:
What a great and "funny" post with the different greetings. The Thai greeting was also an excellent suggestion.
Yes, I never thought I would have to experience such a horror film in my lifetime. But here we are. The very fact that the virus is brand new and no one really knows how to deal with it is scary. Not only is society extremely vulnerable to computer viruses, "real" viruses are even more dangerous.
Then I think poor Anders Tegnell was unfairly criticised, so I'm glad I was the first to praise him." Now he is finally being love-bombed, according to Aftonbladet.
21 March 2020 - 18:30
I Monica says:
Shaping your hands into a heart and saying hello is also nice. We need more hearts in this world of viruses, violence and weapons and a little more sense. Walk 2 metres apart outside, a bit excessive. No 2 metres between patients of all ages and all kinds of as yet undiagnosed diseases. And to bring in hordes of medical students, doubtful, partly what they can do, partly that they have no restrictions, go around as they please and there is more spread of infection among the weak, a popular expression nowadays, but the weak are all hospitalised regardless of age, otherwise you sleep in your own bed. Young people are among the victims here too, and many middle-aged people are very weak, due to smoking, beer bellies, high alcohol consumption, binge drinking and perhaps blood group A, woe betide. While the 70+ are exercising, dancing a lot and often, running with the dog, picking up the grandchildren from preschool and going on pilgrimages, still working, often outdoors, not locked up behind the computer at home. And maybe have blood type B ... Take care of yourselves, you have fresh air around you, nice.
21 March 2020 - 18:47
Anna, New York - My Bite of the Big Apple says:
Well, wow, how the world has changed in just a few months ...
Wise and important words about humility and realising that no one really knows what is "right". You can only do that in the rear view mirror, if even then. There are many experts now and sometimes you have to put quotation marks around the title ... But even those who actually ARE experts have different theories!
Interesting about the greetings! My girlfriends and I, who have been meeting once a month since 2008, last greeted each other with elbows instead of hugs. A strange situation!
It's still great to see your smiles, even if it's just in a picture and not in a real meeting.
Hugs and take care!
21 March 2020 - 23:35
Hasse says:
The virus doesn't scare me, but the fear around it scares me more.
23 March 2020 - 23:38