As everyone in the country hunkers down and works from home during the current Movement Control Order (MCO) period, it is essential that you equip yourself with some handy tips on how to stay safe, sane and productive.

1. Kids driving you crazy?

TIP: Map out a timetable so their day is structured

Explain to your children what is going on and why life will be different for the next few days or weeks. Make a timetable. Research shows that children thrive best within a structured environment.

Draw-up a weekly timetable for them. Populate their days with activities appropriate for their age. Rope them into discussions and ask what they’d like to include in the timetable.

Take time to talk to them and go over their schoolwork. Get to know where they are in their learning and find out their likes, dislikes and why.

2. Going mad being cooped up at home?

TIP: Map out a timetable for yourself

If the MCO affects your daily routine, you’re bound to feel insecure and trapped. Why not try out some of the ideas you have for the kids but make them more adult-themed?

Make a timetable. Yes, for yourself! A routine will help you stay grounded. Plan what food to order or cook for the week.

If you’re working remotely from home, set up a dedicated area and have everything you need within reach. Remember to take breaks.

Do your chores. A clean and tidy home will help you feel mentally refreshed too.

Have a look at your finances. Update your budget to reflect your lifestyle and monitor your spending trends.

Have some fun! Blast music and dance. Try on old clothes. Bake a cake you like. Allow yourself some downtime to rest, read the news, do a mindless activity.

Avoid going out into crowded areas unless you absolutely have to. Maintain social distance from any person. Do not travel. This is not the time to bring germs with you to your hometown or to tourist attractions.

Protect yourself in this pandemic. Use the internet to get ideas on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle such as what indoor exercise is suitable for you.

Keep up to date with official news from government press releases and from reputable media outlets. Do not spread unverified information on social media.

3. Worried sick over older relatives or friends?

TIP: Keep communication open at all times

Keep in touch with them by phone regularly. Check on how they’re doing. Do they have all their basic necessities? Are they feeling well? Have groceries delivered to them. Ensure they are eating healthy.

But avoid visiting them in person unless absolutely necessary. This is to avoid exposing them to any germs who may be carrying unknowingly.

Educate them about the Covid-19 outbreak. Explain how it spreads and why self-isolation is important especially for the elderly.

Many older folks are more religious. Explain why it is important to stay away from religious gatherings of any kind – at least for the moment.

Check with them about how they are keeping up with physical activity. It is good for them to stay active even though indoors.

Share official news with them and keep them updated with the latest information. Discuss any news they may have received over social media and help them filter out fake news.

If you have stubborn old folks to look out for, be patient with them. Try to educate rather than scold.

If you have anxious old folks to look out for, be patient with them too. Let them know they can contact you as often as they wish.

4. Think you’re falling sick?

TIP: Keep calm and self-isolate immediately

Isolate yourself in a separate room away from other members of the household, but do keep them informed. Remind them to stay indoors but keep away from you.

Consider your symptoms, give your family clinic a call if in doubt. Definitely see a doctor if you have difficulty breathing. Follow your doctor’s advice. Get yourself tested if they recommend that you do.

Stay isolated until you receive your results. Remember to keep your family informed but keep physical distance between you at all times.

“I don’t feel sick but I have been in close contact with somebody who has been confirmed positive with Covid-19. What now?” Self-isolate. Contact the Ministry of Health immediately.

5. Think everyone is over-reacting?

TIP: Abide by the MCO whether you like it or not

You are entitled to your own opinion and nobody can change that. Likewise, society at large is also entitled to their opinion.

Stay home. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Doesn’t hurt to stay healthy whether the country is facing a pandemic or not.

Understand that everyone is living in a time of crisis so learn to protect yourself and your family.

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