If you are one of the many essential workers that cannot work from home and are continuing to do your job, it is important to do everything you can to keep yourself safe.

This is something that many people have never had to deal with, so it can be challenging to get used to it and know what the right things to do are. Below are some tips that you can follow to change some of your daily habits and make you feel safer about going out to work:

Change When You Get to Work and Before You Leave

Changing into your work clothes when you get to work is one way that you can try to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The clothes you came in should be put in a clean bag so that you can change back into them when you have finished work. This will help to ensure you can handle items that may have become contaminated with care, by putting them into a bag that can be put straight into the washing machine when you get home.

You should also ensure that you don't wear jewelry or other items that you wear every day to work, otherwise you will need to clean them properly.

Make Use of Personal Protective Equipment

If your workplace provides you with PPE supplies, you should make sure that you use them correctly. They should come with directions which you should follow to ensure they will be as effective as possible. If you work with other people, there are some gloves and face masks that should only be used once and then thrown away before you come into contact with somebody else.

Physical Distance Where You Can

If it is possible, you should try to keep your physical distance from those around you. This may not be possible in many essential jobs, but if it is, try to stay at least two meters away from others in your workplace. Don't even shake people's hands or give them a hi-5, even if you wash your hands afterward. Staying physically distant from people helps to ensure that you are not putting yourself or others under any unnecessary risk.

Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands is essential even if you are wearing protective gloves. You should wash your hands after you come into contact with items or objects that are frequently used by others. Even if it seems like everyone in your workplace is fit and healthy, they could be carrying the virus without any symptoms, so it is better to take extra precautions. 

Disinfect Things Before You Use Them

When you are at work, try to disinfect things before you use them. It could be a keyboard and mouse, a telephone, or the table before you eat lunch. It can even be a good idea to disinfect your mobile phone and any name or ID badges you have, especially if you need to take them home. It may seem like overkill, but it is all about trying to keep you and your family safe and also finding ways to manage your stress.