With the number of reported coronavirus cases increasing in South Africa and across the world, the responsibility to contain the COVID-19 lies with all citizens. However, there’s no reason to panic and one just needs to exercise caution by keeping up with basic hygiene. While much of the focus is somewhat diverted to wearing masks, gloves and washing hands, it is also important to disinfect personal gadgets like phones and laptops regularly. Global health research reports from time to time have cautioned that mobile phones are hotbed for bacteria and viruses and can be prime disease carriers. If your phone or laptop is contaminated by chance, no amount of hand washing will be fruitful. Here are a few things you must do to prevent your mobile devices from spreading infection…
- Don’t keep your mobile phone and handkerchief in the same trouser pocket.
- Use earphones for making phone calls. This reduces the chance of virus transferring from the phone to your face.
- Avoid using public computers in internet cafes or offices. Use sterile gloves if you really need to use them.
- If your smartphone is IP68 water resistant then use soap and water to clean or use hand sanitiser.
- To clean laptops, apply ample quantity of hand sanitiser and use a tissue to clean every corner.
- Don’t forget to clean your earphones as well. You can use any hand sanitiser for the same.
- Don’t use any cleaning liquid on gadgets as it might cause discolouration.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning your phone or laptop.
- Make it a habit to clean your personal gadgets regularly at least once a day.
- Try not touching someone’s phone or laptop and avoid giving your gadgets to other people.
