– by Pirunrat Nathchayanonth (Yori), Client Coordinator
The healthcare system is overwhelmed. The 4th wave of this COVID-19 in Thailand is unprecedented and has been the most damaging. The last 3 weeks have not been easy for anyone, particularly those who have been detected with Covid-19.
Hospitals are out of beds and there’s a long waiting list everywhere. Many people who tested positive now are asymptomatic, so to lessen the load on the healthcare system and the medical staff, the new law was put in place – home isolation is allowed.
Can people who are Covid positive really live under the same roof with those who are not? Yes! I’m telling you it is possible.
Last year, my flat mate was covid positive. We didn’t know what to do, because the hospital didn’t have a bed for her nor an ambulance to come pick her up so we had to remain in the same apartment for a week. She was asymptomatic.
Luckily, we only had to share the common living area such as the dining room and a kitchen as we both had our own rooms. We were told to completely isolate, meaning she cannot leave her room at all. What we did in that week was, if I was inside my room, she can come out briefly for whatever she may need and vice-versa. Whenever she finished in the kitchen, I would wipe every surface she might have touched such as the fridge handle, sink faucet, stove knobs and light switches with Clorox. You can never be too careful. Other than that, I was still exercising in the living room and we used the same washing machine for our laundry. To date, I’m still covid free.
Now, let’s go back to the subject. How do you home isolate?
Self-Isolation
1) Separate yourself in one part of the house. Stay in your own room if possible. If you’re sharing a room/apartment, stay at least 1-2m away from each other. This includes separate items for personal use.
2) Items you will need just for you – bin with a lid, box of tissues, towel, alcohol, gloves, mask, thermometer, oximeter, ice or cold pads, water, medicines, personal items.
3) Wear your mask all the time.
4) Wash your hands, and keep them away from your face.
5) If possible, assign a person who can help take care of you. Someone who’s healthy, proficient and communicates well. He or she must wear gloves and a mask before taking or giving any items from and to the positive person.
6) If you’re too tired, skip the shower and just use wet cloth to clean yourself. It is not recommended to wash and submerge yourself under the water, it makes your lungs work too hard.
7) In a big family, it is very easy for contagious diseases to be widespread. Sanitize the areas like staircase and bathroom bars, knobs often.
8) Drink 2 liters of water per day, avg 1 glass/hour. Always keep yourself hydrated, unless the doctor suggests otherwise. No alcohol, caffeine drinks.
9) Sleep well and rest fully.
10) Minimize your screen time.
11) Manage your emotions and do something that will lift up your energy levels.
12) If you have difficulty in breathing after rolling over, difficulty in keeping food down, having high fever or low oxygen, proceed to the ER at the nearest hospital.
For positive patients who require a bed, we strongly suggest that you contact your primary facility or doctor immediately. Please also register yourself through 1668 and 1330 or any other government organizations to coordinate your care as soon as possible.
Keep well and safe everyone. We will get through this together! For emotional support, feel free to contact us anytime!