Coronavirus: These 5 mistakes can make you more likely to spread COVID-19

We have to agree that with time people have started to flout guidelines issued for containing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Ten months in the pandemic, they have started to let go of things, which is one of the reasons behind the surge in COVID-19 cases. It is important to make peace with the fact that the virus will stay here for a while and by letting your guard down, you are risking both your and your loved one's life. The lockdown has been lifted and life is coming back to the track, but it will take a lot of time for things to go back to normal. And during this time, you have to play your part in fattening the curve. Stay alert and avoid making these common mistakes to decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus.

If you have mistakenly come in contact with someone infected with the virus, you must self-quarantine for 14 days. It does not matter if you are showing the symptoms or not, separating yourself from others is necessary to keep your loved ones safe. Many people are asymptomatic, yet they can transmit the virus to others.

You might find it easy to breathe from the mask with the exhalation valve, but the opening can give an easy pass to the virus. The valve made to make the exhaling and inhaling process easy does not filter the air, thereby increasing the risk of infection. In case you are infected, then by wearing these masks you might be putting other people's lives in grave danger.

You are only safe around people who live with you. You must maintain six feet distance from the rest of the people, even if it is your relatives who live nearby or your neighbourhood friends. So, it is better to avoid social gathering as much as possible. Even if it is a small one in your backyard or your drawing-room. You and your family might be taking necessary precautions to stay safe, but assuming that the other person is also doing the same might lead to unwanted consequences.

Fever is certainly one of the major symptoms of COVID, but it is not the only one. Dizziness, loss of smell, weakness, cough and cold also indicated that you are infected with the coronavirus. You cannot brush off these warning signs under the rug and rely only on your thermometer. Some people have normal body temperature even when they are infected with the virus. So, it is best not to dismiss the signs that your body is giving you.

Mask is one of the ways to protect yourself and others from the virus. But only following this norm and overlooking others will not help you much to contain the virus. Disinfecting commonly touched areas, washing your hands regularly, maintaining six feet distance, practising proper coughing etiquette are some equally important things that must be followed during this time.