Covid risk

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused millions of cases worldwide and hundreds of people have died. This respiratory disease is relatively new and there is still a lot to learn about this viral infection.

One issue that is of considerable concern is the risk of the COVID-19 coronavirus for persons with disabilities.

The risk of the COVID-19 coronavirus in persons with disabilities

Until now, WHO and country governments around the world are working to control this outbreak. It is feared that certain groups, especially people with disabilities, will be more affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The impacts that arise may not directly affect persons with disabilities. In fact, most of them are unlikely to be at higher risk or have severe disease due to COVID-19.

However, not a few persons with disabilities may have a higher risk of infection because of their condition.

According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several causes that make the risk of COVID-19 infection for persons with disabilities higher, namely:

• physical barriers to accessing hygiene facilities
• touching many objects more frequently as an aid to accessing information
• difficulty understanding and practicing preventive measures
• unable to communicate with others regarding the symptoms of COVID-19 being experienced
• difficult to avoid close contact with other people, aka not being able to maintain distance
• COVID-19 worsens other health conditions, such as lung and heart disease

Some of the conditions above are possible reasons why people with disabilities are more susceptible to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

COVID-19 Outbreak updates Country: IndonesiaData

1,024,298

Confirmed

831,330

Recovered

28,855

DeathDistribution Map

Facing the COVID-19 coronavirus for people with disabilities

If you or someone closest to you has a disability, you should follow WHO guidelines regarding basic protective measures during the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, if you have difficulty following these steps, such as washing your hands and applying physical distancing , there are several things that can be done as follows.

1. Avoid crowded crowds

One of the preparations that people with disabilities need to make in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is to try to avoid crowded crowds. That way, you may be more flexible in reducing physical contact with other people.

Also, try to consider the necessary visits to be made outside of busy times. If possible, try to take advantage of special opening hours for people with disabilities in places that provide these facilities.

In fact, it may even be necessary to call for work at home during this pandemic. This is even more so if you work in a densely populated or crowded environment.

2. Buy the items that are needed on line

Apart from avoiding large crowds, persons with disabilities may need to purchase needed items via the internet.

If you are having trouble accessing the purchasing site or need to leave the house, try asking family or friends for help.

This is in order to avoid crowded crowds that require you to touch many items that may be contaminated.

3. Gather the necessary items in one place

After successfully buying goods via the internet, people with disabilities should start collecting the items they need in one place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If possible, shopping for stock of food and other household appliances for the next two weeks to one month can be done.

This is so that you don't have to go outside too often to buy food or items that are needed.

In addition to food ingredients, you can also make up for drugs that require a prescription from a doctor for the next few months. Therefore, try to discuss these matters with your doctor or caregiver.

That way, you can make copies of drug prescriptions to help you get medicine in an emergency situation like this pandemic.

4. Make sure the tools are cleaned with a disinfectant

For people with disabilities who wear assistive devices when moving, it is time to start paying attention to their hygiene habits during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

This is because assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walking sticks are often used in public places and make them even dirtier.

Therefore, you need to make sure whether the wheelchair or walking stick used has been cleaned with disinfectant or not.

5. Create a list of contacts or help

Preparation related to groceries, cleaning aids, and trying to avoid crowds are not enough if you don't plan what to do when you are sick.

One of the important aspects in preparing for COVID-19 for people with disabilities is making a contact list.

Don't forget to make a list of contacts for family, friends, neighbors, and health care providers who can help you when you are sick.

In addition, make sure other household members also know important information needed when you are in an unhealthy condition. Starting from information about health insurance, medicines, to the care needs of your family members, such as children or pets.

With various preparations made by persons with disabilities to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, they can reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

So, don't forget to keep your distance from other people and wash your hands regularly as an effort to prevent COVID-19.