We all are going through a collective traumatic experience due to the COVID-19 invasion and hence it is the need of the hour to keep abreast of basic facts. With increasing cases of Covid 19, a plethora of myths has surrounded this issue and it can add up to the crisis. Here we are going to throw light on some important practices that you can follow at home in terms of food hygiene and handling.
There is much to be explored yet about this virus but few basic steps can be adopted to prevent the transmission.
1) Go out to market once a week only for grocery shopping and stock up things for the entire week.
2) To clean the stock (fruits and vegetables), fill half the bucket with warm water, add 2-3 spoons of vinegar and 1 spoon of salt. Leave all the stuff in that bucket for 3-4 hours. Then wash thoroughly with clean water.
3) If you had bought something that can't be washed, leave it outside in your balcony/veranda for 2-3 days.
4) Use digital money as much as possible like Paytm, google pay or online payments. Don't exchange money with vendors.
5) Discard the covers/ polythenes/ paper bags of groceries in a closed dustbin and wash your hands properly.
6) Wash milk and curd packets with soap.
7) Maintain good personal hygiene as well as hygienic practices in the kitchen.
We are also hearing about a lot of misleading information regarding the consumption of meat and egg during this period. Some people have stopped having chicken, fish, and eggs out of fear of transmission. As per WHO and FSSAI, meat and egg consumption has no relation to coronavirus and can be safely consumed during this period. There is no transmission reported globally so far in this manner and hence the claims are baseless till now. In fact, eggs are packed with immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals. As advised, meats and eggs should always be properly cooked to avoid indigestion.
Include immunity-boosting foods in diet particularly Vitamin C rich fruits and veggies like oranges, pineapple, musambi, lemon, amla, broccoli, capsicum, cauliflower, etc. Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid outside foods, prefer home-cooked meals as far as possible. Sleep is important for boosting immunity, get 6-7 hours of sleep daily.
Try not to panic but strive to turn this pandemic into something worthy and productive. Spend time with loved ones, work on your weight loss/health goals. Enroll online for fitness/Zumba/ HIT/yoga sessions. Learn healthy recipes. Cultivate some herbs, spices or microgreens that don't call for a lot of space and maintenance. Most important take care of yourself and your family by following the COVID-19 guidelines set by the government. Remember... "This too shall pass"