For over the past year since its first outbreak in Wuhan, China, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has affected all societies worldwide. Businesses have opened and closed repeatedly. Educational institutions from preschool to postgraduate education are commonly hosting classes online now. Sporting events and concerts have been put on hold, and virtual meetings are also becoming the norm. Additionally, this pandemic has seen millions of people contracted the virus, as well as the unfortunate number of deaths. As of this moment, there have been 81.2 million cases. 45.9 million have recovered while 1.77 million have died from the virus. Here are the ways that people can do to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

In the United States, which is currently still the country with the most cases and deaths in this pandemic. 19.7 million Americans have contracted the virus while over 343,000 people have passed away from it. As this is a very infectious disease, even people who have not been testing positive for COVID-19 or have been living very healthy lives may still get the virus after interacting with someone who has shown symptoms of COVID-19. In order to stop the spread of the COVID-19, the LiveWell staff from the University of Washington published an article that stated the five steps that people can conduct “proper hand-washing”.  

The best method to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Having good soap and plenty of water from the sink is a good start so far. However, the five steps are necessary for people to follow. Those steps are wet the hands with warm or cold water. Then rub hands together with soap to form a lather. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds and rinse hands well under running water. Finally, dry hands with a clean towel or an air dryer. Those steps are simple to learn and adhere, especially for individuals who are very anxious about the things and people they have come into close contact with that may have some traces of the coronavirus. 

Photo Credit: Bermix Studio

Furthermore, since COVID-19 has affected every aspect of American society for nearly this past year. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has always stressed the importance of keeping everyone safe during this time. The usual statements of “wear a face mask, stay 6 feet apart, and avoid crowds” are what the CDC continue to promote. This an effort to ensure that everyone understands the danger that this virus can present to them and their loved ones. 

How cities and states are responding

Some cities, counties, and states across the U.S. have conducted numerous efforts to prevent the COVID-19 coronavirus from spreading further. According to a November 5th, 2020 article from CityLimits.org titled, “Checking in on New York’s COVID-19 ‘Cluster Containment Strategy”, New York state and city officials brought out a localized strategy for containing the virus. This strategy imposed additional restrictions on businesses, schools, and gatherings in specific neighborhoods.

It started because of the rising cases in certain areas of Queens and Brooklyn back in early-October. This strategy was named the “Cluster Action Initiative”. One of its goals is to prevent a second wave from affecting New York City and the rest of the state. 

Methods for preventing a second wave

Although prominent public health officials such as Dr. Anthony Fauci emphasized on preventing a second wave, there was still that rise of cases in specific hotspot neighborhoods. In the summer, infection rates in New York City were very low and the aforementioned article stated that people would congregate indoors or stay at home during colder months. However, the colder months can produce negative outcomes as indoor settings are where the virus can spread easily.

In regards to containing the virus in specific neighborhoods, these neighborhoods were organized into color-coded “zones” based on the severity of cases there. At the time of the writing, New York City officials stated that the localized approach had been effective in halting or slowing those upticks. As a result,, some hotspot areas have seen restrictions eased in recent weeks after the cases declined. 

Photo Credit: Maxim Ilyahov

Although efforts like what the New York city and state officials have been doing to curb the infection rates have been working to some extent, it is always good to obtain more tools and resources that are beneficial in this ongoing pandemic. MedlinePlus.gov has a page of resources that people can find in English and multiple languages to help them understand more. It also shows them how they can protect themselves and their families.

Some of those resources include learning about various different topics related to COVID-19 and its impacts. Resources like the ones mentioned are great steps in informing everyone on what they can do to stop COVID-19's spread. As vaccines are now distributing worldwide, there is great hope that the pandemic will become part of the past. To conclude, everyone must do their duty to stop the spread of COVID-19.