I'd like to start a thread of helpful hints during this pandemic to protect yourself & others. We all know about handwashing & isolation, but there are a lot of other little things you can do. I'm going to start off with a bunch and then I'd love for people to add to the thread.
Touch screens are everywhere. Carry a stylus pen and use that instead of your finger (easier to disinfect afterwards). You may have one already. I have one that's part of a pen. They are cheap to buy. Here's an example. smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-E…
Speaking of pens, something I've always done is use my own pen to sign receipts instead of the offered pen. Much cleaner!
Use Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay if you can. Not only are they more secure than your credit or debit card, but they are "no contact". More and more places are taking them. If your local store doesn't, ask them to sign up.
Railings are everywhere and are quite filthy. But if you have any mobility or balance problems, they're necessary to avoid a fall. Keep tissues on hand and use them for contact, not your hands. Keep a ziplock bag handy to put them in afterwards.
Elevator buttons are another highly contaminated contact. Use your elbow, your finger through clothing, a tissue, or even a stylus pen.
I've been getting a lot of emails from businesses offering curbside pickup now. Call and order and pay over the phone. Then when you get there, they'll bring your goods out to you. Pop the trunk if you're by car, and they'll put them in.
Speaking of businesses, please support your local small businesses. Most normally have narrow profit margins and this may very well put them out of business permanently. They really need your help and their employees are probably your neighbors.
Now that we're in tax season in the U.S., there are always lots of papers to sign and mail. See if you can sign, scan, and upload instead. You don't even need a scanner. Take a photo after signing and send that! Works for all kinds of contracts.
If you have a show or concert canceled, which most are now, please consider letting them hold onto the money for now for a postponement. Small nonprofit venues will go under without revenue and really need your help to stay afloat.
Please help your local wildlife rehabber. Necessary supplies will be very expensive and none of them ever have surplus money. Some support themselves with educational programs, which are mostly canceled now, so they'll be in dire straits. A small donation will go a long way.
If you don't have a library card, get one. Most libraries have digital book downloads you can read at home for free. Many have movies that can be downloaded without streaming fees. Kanopy is one such service. Libraries have lots of free resources for adults & kids at home.
Please check on your friends, neighbors, and family. People will be going stir crazy and depression rates may soar. Anxiety levels are high. Use WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime (Apple only), or others to video chat and check on people.
Keep sanitation supplies readily available in case someone needs to come to your home to care for you or your animals.
Remember that many cleaning supplies are toxic to birds, so check out everything before using it near your birds.
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