President of the Dominica Nurses Association(DNA), Mrs. Mignon Rolle Shillingford, says that in light of World Health Workers Day, we may all assist our health workers especially our nurses by keeping ourselves safe.
She says, “I would like to re emphasize the need for the public to comply with the instructions that we, health workers, are giving to them. This includes
1. Frequent hand washing with soap and water
2. Proper respiratory etiquette
3. Cleaning surfaces frequently with approved solutions of either 70% and above Alcohol, Bleach and Lysol products
Nurse Shillingford also encourages the general public to wear masks if you must leave your homes but ensure that hands are washed or sanitized when placing them on. Further, masks should also be placed, worn and removed properly. Limit touching of face and points of entry(eyes, nose and mouth).
She stresses, “Masks should not be placed on forehead, under chin or hanged from face. If so then it is contaminated and should be discarded”.
Shillingford said that the use of masks is being encouraged because of information coming in relating to persons who do not show symptoms of COVID-19 but are possibly carrying and transmitting the virus. Therefore persons are being asked to wear masks to protect each other since they wouldn’t know if they are a silent carrier.
“I’d like to emphasize that we must wash or sanitize our hands before place, wear and remove masks, as well as masks must be worn properly and that we must be mindful to limit touching of the face in order to reduce the risk of bringing the virus to the face”.
The president also made the following recommendations
1. Keep yourselves well hydrated and eat a healthy diet so as to boost you immune system.
2. Limit alcohol intake to recommended daily amount for males and females
3. Develop a family plan to keep COVID-19 virus out of your homes and ensure that all house occupants are aware of this plan.
4. Know the COVID-19 Health Hotline number 4482151, 4482156, 4482153, toll free 1800219 and 61143255.
5.Maintain social distancing and stay at home.
“Continue to give love and support to your nurses everywhere , verbally and non-verbally. They need it very much at this time. These are a few of the ways in which you can help your Nurses and other Health care workers to win this war” she added.
#DNAstrong
