Omicron Variant Coronavirus Safety Tips

When the coronavirus pandemic came knocking in March 2020, everyone was forced to go behind closed doors. This event consequently introduced us to the new norm that has changed how we live, work, and interact ever since then.

Face masks and hand sanitizers became necessities for households and individuals. Social distancing turned the order of the day, and remote working became a lifestyle. 

After months of lockdown and stringent travel restrictions, the world looked to be returning to its former state, all thanks to the heroics of health researchers and medical practitioners who worked tirelessly to provide vaccines. 

However, the pre-liberation celebratory party was cut short even before it began in November 2021, when a new coronavirus variant was discovered in South Africa. Originally called B.1.1.529 and renamed omicron by the World Health Organization (WHO), this latest variant is the “most mutated” version of the virus amongst others, such as the Alpha, Beta, or Delta variants. 

Moreover, this new variant threatens to teleport us back to the situation we witnessed in mid-2020, where coronavirus reigned supreme. To avert this imminent danger, we’ve assembled a list of omicron variant coronavirus safety tips to keep you and your family protected:

Due to the sudden emergence of the omicron virus, researchers are still learning how to deal with it. But as advised by the WHO, UNICEF, CDC, and other trusted health organizations – vaccination and booster are the only known ways of preventing and treating the omicron virus at the moment. Get vaccinated from the approved health centers as soon as possible.

Although there are reports of some vaccinated people contracting the omicron virus, a recent study revealed that taking a two-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines and then a shot of mRNA booster provides the best protection against the virus.

Although not as effective as vaccination and boosters, face-covering masks are one of the most important precautions for the omicron virus. Hence, everyone and anyone above the age of two is advised to wear a mask.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported earlier this year that omicron had outpaced other coronavirus variants in the United States, contributing 95.4% of the overall infection figures as of January 1. 

Experts also believe that the omicron variant is more transmissible than other variants of the virus. To gain some perspective, the omicron variant travels 70 times faster than the Delta strain. 

This somewhat reduces the efficiency of cloth nose masks to guard against it. So, experts like Dr. Asha Shajahan, an associate professor of family medicine at Oakland University, recommend a surgical mask instead.

“You want to make sure it’s at least a three-layer surgical mask or an N-95 or higher,” she told Fox 2 Detroit.

Given how the omicron virus spreads, preventing it is quite challenging. Health practitioners continue to advocate the need for social distancing in curbing the spread of the ailment – warning that complacency could lead to the collapse of the world’s public health systems. 

Avoid public gatherings, especially if you have an underlying health condition and if you must socialize, maintain a distance of 6 feet or 1.8 meters from the next person.

It is common knowledge that traveling is one of the fastest ways to spread Covid-19 or any other virus at all. So it is advisable to avoid traveling until the health professionals say otherwise.

Most countries have already installed different levels of travel-ban to control the spread of the omicron variants. For example, the United States imposed travel bans on eight African countries following the discovery of the omicron variant in South Africa.

If you are traveling, make sure you have your Silent Beacon panic button with you at all times. In case of a medical emergency, a press of a button will share your real-time location with your emergency contacts.

The omicron variant is so easily transmissible; we run a risk of contracting it with every breath we take. Touching unhygienic surfaces and objects can be just as deadly. 

Therefore, vaccination, face masks, and social distancing might not be enough to prevent it. You’ll need to incorporate a good personal hygiene lifestyle to keep you and the people around you safe. Wash your hands at regular intervals, trim your nails, and ensure your environment is not littered with particles that are likely to breed bacteria.

When skimming through the omicron variant coronavirus safety tips, many people tend to ignore or underrate ventilation and air filtration. However, this preventive method is just as effective as any of the other suggested techniques (with the exception of vaccination, nose masks, social distancing).

According to Jose-Luiz Jimenez, a chemist and professor at the University of Colorado, improved ventilation and air filtration can help mitigate the spread of the omicron coronavirus variant.

“If you have stagnant air, SARS-CoV-2 can stay up in the air for up to 16 hours. If we get the air moving and ventilated and filtered, the risk of getting infected decreases substantially.” 

Avoid enclosed areas with low air circulation, open the windows and turn on the fan in your room to aid ventilation, or better still, purchase an air purifier or build one yourself.

At perilous times like this, it pays to be observant. Look out for the slightest changes to your body, as it may be an indication that you’re infected. The earlier you detect it, the better. 

If you find that your temperature is hitting the roof, or you suddenly lose your sense of smell or taste, reach out to the designated Covid-19 emergency helpline for help. 

This is where the Silent Beacon personal safety device comes in handy. With the push of a button, this safety gadget will simultaneously send pre-customized messages as well as your location to friends, family, and emergency personnel. 

Many people tend to practice self-medication when they feel unwell; this is quite dangerous, even more so during a pandemic.  If you have any of the symptoms read out earlier, immediately isolate and go for a test to ascertain if you’re infected or not. This will give you a fair idea of your next line of action. After that, get medical advice from a qualified health practitioner.

At Silent Beacon, your personal safety and well-being are our biggest prerogative, which is why we’re sharing these omicron variant coronavirus safety tips with you. If you feel difficulty in breathing or dizziness takes over you, just push the Silent Beacon panic button, and help will be on its way.

If you are already suffering from Omicron variant coronavirus, configure your Silent Beacon safety app to send emergency alerts to both your family members and emergency medical responders.

The ball is in your court now; incorporate these cues into your daily routine to keep yourself and your family safe.