We have had the Covid-19 pandemic for over two years to date, and there are still a lot of infections and deaths all over the world as a result of the virus. The latest variant of the virus, Omicron, has been causing a high rate of infections which resulted in many countries implementing stricter Covid-19 rules in a bid to protect their populations. One of the reasons that have been cited as fuelling the high rate of infections is that people have begun to ignore some of the measures that have been recommended as key to preventing the spread of the virus. So what can we do to protect our families back home from Omicron and other Covid variants? 

Regular testing 

One of the most important tools in the fight against Covid-19 is making sure that people have access to regular tests for the virus. Getting tested as often as possible means that people have accurate information about whether or not they have been infected by the virus. If a person tests positive for Covid-19, they are required to go into isolation for periods ranging from 10 – 14 days in order to protect other people from also contracting the virus. 

There are a few ways that you can use to ensure that your family is getting tested regularly for Covid-19. These include: 

• Signing up for healthcare packages that have in-home testing facilities such as Fleri home care. 
• Make sure that you are thoroughly tested before you travel back home to visit your family. 
• Encouraging the use of rapid test kits regularly in the event that regular PCR tests are not a possibility. 

Encouraging the observation of recommended measures 

There are measures and rules that have been implemented since the beginning of the pandemic whose purpose is to try and limit the spread of Covid-19. Some of these include the use of face masks in public spaces, observing social distancing, and avoiding large crowds. However, it seems that many people have begun to observe these protocols less and less over time. This can be attributed to what has been dubbed “pandemic fatigue”, the general feeling of being tired of being stuck indoors and not living life as we knew it. While pandemic fatigue is real, it is important that we remind our families of the following facts: 

1. We are still very much in the middle of a global pandemic. No amount of time that has passed can change that. 
2. Covid-19 is still as deadly as it was when it was first announced. We all need to still be careful and avoid situations that can lead to contracting the virus. 
3. Using face masks in public, maintaining social distance, and avoiding large crowds can be the difference between staying healthy and contracting the deadly virus. 

Getting vaccinated 

When Covid-19 vaccines were first announced, they were met with varying reactions. Some people were happy that a vaccine that could offer much-needed protection from the virus had been developed, while some people were skeptical. It has been proven that the vaccines on offer give you a very good chance of surviving against Covid should you be infected. The same vaccines are just as effective against variants such as Omicron. The vaccines also reduce the chances of severe illness if you test positive for the virus. 

Although Omicron symptoms are described as less severe, there is still a need to be protected from the virus. So in a bid to protect our families back home against the virus, there is a need to encourage people to get vaccinated. The more people that get vaccinated, the fewer chances there are that we will have severe illness and/or deaths as a result of Covid in our families. 

Let’s all remain vigilant as this pandemic is still very much with us. It is our duty to make sure that all our family members are protected against the virus and we, at Fleri, are here to help you with that. Share these tips with your family and friends and let’s all contribute towards building a healthier community.