One of the problems of required quarantine is the person's psychosocial state. With COVID-19, it is important to observe not only personal hygiene, but also to ensure that you don't break down emotionally and, if possible, help those people who need it.
1. COVID-19 can affect people from many countries, in many geographical locations. Do not associate it with any ethnic or national affiliation. Be sensitive to everyone who is suffering. The people affected by COVID-19 have done nothing wrong, and they deserve our support and compassion.
2. Do not call infected people "victims," "COVID-19 families," or "infectious". These are "people who have COVID-19," "people who are treated for COVID-19," and "people who are recovering from COVID-19," and after recovery, their lives will continue at their workplaces and in families. It is important to separate the person from the identity defined by COVID-19 to avoid stigmatization.
3. Minimize viewing, reading, or listening to news that you are worried about. Receive information only from reliable sources to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you feel anxious, we recommend setting several time points during the day when you will check the news from reliable sources. Do not trust rumors - regularly collect information from the WHO website (World Health Organization) and the platforms of local health authorities. This will help you distinguish facts from rumors. Facts will help minimize fears.
4. Protect yourself and support others. Helping others in difficult times can benefit both the supported person and the helper. For example, ask by phone how things are with neighbors or people in your community who might need extra help. Working together within a single community can help create solidarity in times of COVID-19.
5. Older people, especially those in isolation and with cognitive impairment/dementia, may become more anxious, angry, agitated, and agitated during an outbreak/quarantine. Try to provide them with practical and emotional support. Share simple facts about what is happening, give clear information on how to reduce the risk of infection, in words that they can understand. Repeat information whenever necessary. Instructions should be set out in a clear, concise, respectful, and patient manner. It may also be useful to display information in writing or in pictures.
6. If you have a health problem, make sure you have access to any medications you are currently using. Activate your social contacts for assistance if necessary.
7. Be prepared and find out in advance where and how to get medical care, if necessary. Make sure you have a two-week supply of medications you may need.
8. Practice daily physical exercises to perform at home, in quarantine, or in isolation to maintain physical activity.
9. Stay connected and use your social networks. If the health authorities have recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain the outbreak, you can stay in touch via email, social networks, videoconferencing, and phone.
