Here's how to prevent COVID-19 from entering your home

As much as we want to stay indoors amid the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), some won't be able to avoid going out since they'll be needing to go to work or buy basic necessities.

For those who might have to risk getting exposed, here's a list of guidelines the Department of Health released avoid COVID-19 from entering our homes!

1. As much as possible, don't leave the house

Rethink if you really need to go out of the house. Aside from the what is necessary, citizens are encouraged to stay at home.

2. Always bring alcohol or hand sanitizer if you do need to go out

If you really need to go out, make sure to bring alcohol or a hand sanitizer with you. Avoid holding your face also while outside of your home.

3. Spray alcohol at the sole of the footwear

Once you've come home, spray alcohol on the sole of your footwear and remove your shoes before entering your house.

Make sure to put your shoes in a designated area outside of your house.

4. Immediately remove your clothes and put in a separate laundry bag

Once you've come home from your trip outside, immediately remove your clothes and place it in a separate laundry bag. Wash your clothes using water, detergent and a small amount of bleach as soon as you can.

5. Make sure to throw PPEs (gloves, face masks) in a separate trash bin

If you used personal protective equipment such as face masks and gloves, make sure to throw it away in a different trash bin and immediately wash your hands after.

Make sure to put the used PPEs in a sealed bag within 72 hours before you leave it outside for garbage collectors to pick up.

6. Put your bag, keys and other things you brought outside in a designated area

If you go out, make sure to put your bag, keys, loose change and other items you brought outside in a designated area near the door.

Make sure to clean your bag and the other items by spraying bleach and water or a solution with 70% alcohol.

7. Leave a sanitizer by the door and clean your hands before entering

Make sure to leave alcohol or a sanitizer by the door of your house,  and clean your hands before going in.

While your hands haven't been cleaned yet, make sure not to touch anything inside the house.

8. Take a shower right after coming back home

Immediately take a shower after coming back home. Thoroughly clean your body with soap especially the areas that were exposed. Just like washing our hands, make sure to wash areas of your body properly for 20 seconds.

DOH said that you won't be able to disinfect your home 100% but it's always better to lessen the risk of exposing your loved ones to the disease.

As the entire country continues to fight against COVID-19, DOH reminded everyone to continue following preventive measures such as social distancing, washing hands, and washing items we frequently touch with bleach or detergent and water in order to avoid contracting the disease. --Kaela Malig/MGP, GMA News