A Checklist of Things to Bring When Going Out During the Pandemic

• Do you have a rising number of active cases in your community?
• Will you have close contact with anyone who is sick or isn't wearing a mask?
• Do you live with a family member who is at high risk for a severe infection if they are infected with COVID-19?
• Do you take everyday precautions and health essentials to protect yourself from the virus?
• Is the place you're heading to a crowded area? Is social distancing possible?
• How long will you be spending time and interacting with people outside?
  
  

If you need to venture out and engage in public activities, make sure that you protect yourself by observing proper preventive actions, such as maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and cleaning your hands with hand sanitizer.

Read more: How to Buy Life Insurance Digitally During COVID-19

5 Essentials to Bring When Going Out

1. Face mask
   
   The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises people aged 2 two years and above to wear masks when going out in public and when around guests in their home. Face masks do not only protect you from droplets expelled by other people but also others from you, in case you're asymptomatic.
   
   The types of masks recommended by CDC include non-medical disposable masks, reusable masks made with breathable woven fabric that does not let light pass through, masks with two or three layers, and masks with inner filter pockets.
   
   
2. Hand Sanitizer
   
   It's essential to wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the further spread of germs and the COVID-19 virus. If you don't have access to these when you're outside, you can use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Using an alcohol-based sanitizer decreases the amount of germs on your hands.
   
   Much like when washing your hands, the proper application of hand sanitizer is by rubbing the gel all over your hands and fingers until your hands run dry. Make sure to find hand sanitizers that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
   
   
3. Disinfectant wipes
   
   Add using disinfectant wipes to your hygiene habits to get rid of germs, bacteria, and droplets that may have settled on surfaces. Disinfection is an essential part of safety precautions, especially when there's a viral infection like COVID-19 that can survive on surfaces like metal.
   
   Wipe down everything you have to touch in public, such as tables and chairs, door handles, steering wheels, and the like, before contact. You can also use isopropyl wipes to clean your phone, wallet, keys, and other things that you've put down on a surface.
   
   
4. Tissues
   
   Tissues always come in handy, and you'll be glad that you carry them regardless if there's a pandemic or not. You can use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. If you don't have disinfectant or isopropyl wipes on hand, you can put down several pieces of tissue first before placing your things on a surface. Remember to throw the tissues in the trash after use.
   
   
5. Water bottle and food or snacks
   
   These may not be on top of your essentials list, but carrying your own water bottle instead of buying from a store or food stand reduces close interaction with other people. The same goes for when you bring snacks if you need to stay out too long.
   
   Instead of dining at a restaurant, where there is an increased risk of exposure, bringing your own food can eliminate the risk of transmission. Undoubtedly, food businesses abide by health and safety precautions of properly sanitizing and disinfecting their utensils and tables, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. 

21st Century Pandemic Essentials

The world is not out of the woods yet. Going on with your daily routines in this new normal will definitely require you to think carefully about what you should bring.

To stay safe and protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus, mak/e sure to always carry the health essentials above. These things serve as your best defense against the virus, so it's crucial to arm yourself with them every time you step out of the house.

If you're currently shopping for health insurance to add a layer of protection for you and your family, we’ve got you covered. BPI AIA makes it easy and convenient to get insured amid the pandemic. You can go ahead and schedule a virtual appointment with a Bancassurance Sales Executive to learn more.