Light at the end of the tunnel

The current pandemic has hurled order out of lives and plunged us into fear and uncertainty. After remaining indoors for over a month, everyone in India is awaiting the end of this lockdown. However, we must continue to remain cautious and ease into routines slowly. Social distancing has been immensely helpful in containing the spread of the Coronavirus. While local authorities are likely to enforce certain restrictions for our well-being, associations of gated properties in Chennai must also undertake pertinent measures. We’ve put together some pointers for navigating common areas within gated communities.

Walking tracks

Several residents of apartments in Chennai must be eager to resume their daily strolls. Walking is an activity that senior citizens are especially fond of but since they are most susceptible to infections, they must use a mask when stepping out of the house and maintain a distance of at least two meters from fellow walkers.

Swimming pool

It is known that swimming pools inside gated communities are safer than public pools. Nevertheless, you can verify that the pool water is properly treated (15 mg.min/l of chlorination is recommended). While it may be good to avoid using swimming pools, however well they are maintained, for a couple more months, you can keep these points in mind for when the day comes when you can take a refreshing dip in the pool.

Swimmers must:

• Shower before and after swimming
• Disinfect hands after touching surfaces like locker, shower taps, and door handles

Fitness centre

Along with proper diet and rest, exercise is important to maintain good health. Online fitness classes had a lot of takers during the pandemic lockdown.

Here are some quick post-lockdown tips for those hitting the community gym at properties in Chennai:

• Have an orange or Vitamin C supplement before starting your workout
• Carry your own water, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and a towel
• While the housekeeping team is tasked with wiping down the contact surfaces on equipments, you are encouraged to take on the responsibility to see that this is done right before and after your workout
• As soon as you return home, take a shower and change into fresh clothes

Elevator 

It is best to keep the usage of elevators to a minimum. Those living on lower floors could take the stairs and leave the elevator free for use by the elderly and neighbors living on the upper floors.

While using the elevator, follow these directions to keep infections at bay:

• Use a hand sanitizer before and after touching any of the buttons outside or inside the lift or use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces before and after contact.
• If there is someone else in the elevator, wait for them to reach their floor and take an empty lift. Else, maintain as much distance as possible and face away from the other person in the lift

If you’re taking the stairs, try not to touch the railing. Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you reach home.

Other common areas

It would be a good idea to avoid the cinema theatre and banquet halls for a few weeks post the lockdown. If you run into a friend or neighbor, avoid shaking hands and embracing. Try to maintain a distance of at least two meters. This will ensure your safety and the overall safety of the community.

Apart from the above, occupants of apartments in Chennai are advised to follow some general precautions:

• Regularly disinfect high contact areas such as door handles and knobs, doorbell switches.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and face.
• Cover your nose and mouth while outside.
• Carry a hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes when you go out.
• When outside, wash or sanitize your hands every 30 minutes.
• Carry water and food from home.
• Increase your intake of Vitamin C and zinc.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain good sleep hygiene.

Most people in Chennai live in flats where chances of contact and infection are high. But by being mindful of our actions, we can overcome this successfully. Remember, this too shall pass.

15 Dec 2021