6 ways to health in times of coronavirus - and some thoughts on Covid-19

How do you stay healthy in times of coronavirus, when it is important to keep a physical distance in order not to pass on the infection? Here are six tips on how to stay corona safe. We also share some thoughts on Covid-19. Stay safe!

Changing your habits

In times of the spread of the coronavirus, we all need to rethink, but this is not always easy. It's important not to spread the infection to risk groups, and it's also important to slow down the rate of spread so that healthcare providers have a chance to catch up. But it's not always easy to change habits, sometimes it's "just like that".

We try to be careful to wash our hands, and equip ourselves with hand sanitiser when we leave the house. But it is yet difficult. Suddenly I see Peter scratching his face.

"Stop that," I say, pulling his hand down.

"But I haven't touched anything!?"

"But you just held the handrail on the metro!"

"Did I?"

Six ways to stay healthy in times of coronavirus

Greeting others is another challenge for us. Peter is one of those spontaneous people who likes to give people a hug. He really has to be careful not to fall into old habits. But we've been practising, so we'll get it right! Here are six tips on how to stay healthy in times of coronavirus.

1. Health with the knuckle

Recently, we have met several people who have chosen to greet by letting their knuckles meet. There is still some physical contact, but you avoid touching someone with your fingers (which you may unconsciously put in their face).

2. shake foot ("Wuhan shake")

We have also seen tips on the internet about the "Wuhan shake" greeting, which is said to come directly from the virus' home city of Wuhan. You simply shake your feet together broadside.

3. hug yourself

Hugging others is not recommended to protect them (and yourself) from possible infection. But you can still hug yourself! Self-hugging can be a symbolic act that shows that you are hugging in spirit.

4. High Five air

"High Five Air" is Peter's contribution. High fives are fine, as long as you avoid letting your hands meet. Just put your palms in the air and do a high five without touching each other.

5. elbow strike

Another greeting we have seen on social media is the 'elbow bump'. Bend your elbow and make a punch, preferably so that you then bounce off each other to a safe distance.

6. Vinka

Waving is a classic that always works. The beauty of this greeting is that it can be done from several metres away. Wave, wave, wave!

... or no health at all?

But not saying hello at all? In times of fear, it is easy to avoid others "like the plague" and look the other way. That can be a shame, after all. In times like these, we all need some love and cheerful greetings, even if they should be more distant than usual.

Thoughts on Covid-19

I have read a lot about Covid-19, in different English language newspapers, and what I understand is that the situation is complex. The world's most prominent scientists in the field are doing their best to find solutions, but the fact is that no one can predict exactly what will happen.

Humility in the face of a complex situation

When I realise how difficult this is, I am extremely humbled. I am also a bit surprised at how confident many people are about the best solution in every situation. There are people who have dedicated their lives to researching viruses and they still don't always know which is the best way to go. But the rest of us, who have not spent a single day of our lives researching viruses, know without a doubt what is best. Isn't that unreasonable? I think we have to be a bit humble.

Kindness to our fellow human beings

Many people are scared and worried, and many have thoughts about the nasty virus that is now affecting our daily lives. It is not surprising that we all have slightly different thoughts. Some are worried about their health or that of their loved ones, while others see their life's work falling apart and wonder how they will be able to pay their bills.

Some of us believe in some solutions, and some of us believe in others. But before you make an angry comment, remember that none of us really know what is best. We all want the same ending. We all want this to be over. It's a difficult time, and we need to support each other and shower each other with kindness, not harsh words.

What will happen?

Nobody knows what will happen, but the situation is difficult from several aspects. Many countries have chosen to close borders, schools, restaurants, hotels and shops. This will probably limit and slow down the spread of infection, but what happens when they reopen? Will we get a new spread then?

The alternative, of course, is to stay closed for so long that the infection dies out completely in the world, but we have read that the pandemic can last (come and go in waves) for 12 or 18 months. What country can stay closed for that long, without total economic and social collapse? And what would happen to the people, on a psychological level? Or would it be a case of opening the borders after a few months, but with the completely different entry controls than we are used to?

After a while, of course, more and more people become immune, which slows down the spread, but since this is a new virus, it seems that we can't even know for sure how this immunity works. Moreover, viruses can mutate, and then the risk is that you are back to square one.

We can hope for a vaccine eventually, although most people think it will take time. A vaccine would solve many of the problems we face today. In the meantime, we need to work together to slow down the spread of the disease and protect those at risk, so that the healthcare system can cope and so that as many people as possible can come out of this in one piece. Somehow we also need to keep the economy going and support businesses so they don't go bankrupt, which is a challenge. Many industries are already in crisis.

Is there any positive news?

Many people are making fantastic efforts in this chaos, not least all the healthcare staff of course, but also everyone else who is helping Sweden to continue to function reasonably well. We have also seen many examples of great initiatives, such as universities making hand sanitiser, companies offering face masks, shops with special opening hours for risk groups and people helping the elderly to shop. Go, go, go!

In Sweden, we can be out in nature, and as long as you keep some distance from others, being outdoors is good for both body and soul. Take the opportunity to enjoy forests, lakes, seas and nature reserves!