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Combating coronavirus: How to sanitise things when you return from outside

Just as your hands can become contaminated, so can your purse, handbag or backpack, especially if you've had it resting on public surfaces.

It's better to be cautious and practise at least these tips to keep you and your family safe when you come home from outside.
>Don't wear shoes inside
Whenever you enter the house, remove your shoes straight away as you don't want to bring anything from the outside into your home. Take your shoes off at the front door and slip into some slippers instead.
>Leave your wallet and bag near the front door
Just as your hands can become contaminated, so can your purse, handbag or backpack, especially if you've had it resting on public surfaces. So, when you arrive home, leave your bag near the front door. Avoid putting your bag on the dining table, kitchen bench or on your bed as you could risk contaminating your clean surfaces.
>Wash your hands as soon as you get home
The minute you're through your front door, head for the bathroom to wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean (and away from your face) is one of the easiest ways to prevent illness. To avoid bringing outside germs inside, wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap when you arrive home.
>Sanitise your mobile phone every day
We literally take our mobile phones everywhere (from the bed to the bathroom) so it makes sense that it could be crawling with germs and virus. The easiest way to effectively clean your phone is with an alcohol wipe.
>Change your clothes after returning home and take a shower
The evidence on whether Covid-19 can live on your clothes is pretty lacking but respiratory droplets and other microbes can survive on clothing. So, when returning from the shops, where you have encountered other people and public surfaces, it could pay to change your clothes as soon as you return home. And, don't pop these in your regular laundry basket. Instead, put them in a bag until you're ready to wash them. Whenever possible, use the hot water setting, as it helps to kill the virus.
>Disinfect surfaces around the house
High traffic areas like door handles, remote controls and light switches are a rest house for germs so it's important to clean and disinfect them regularly to avoid passing bacteria from person to person. Pay particular attention to kitchen benches, your dining table and desktops as well. When cleaning, wear disposable gloves and dispose of when you're finished.
(Source: Dr Titty Mary Thomas, specialist family medicine, Aster Clinic - JLT)
reporters@khaleejtimes.com