- Although it has decreased, the pandemic continues and it is necessary to continue with measures such as the use of face masks, healthy distance and avoiding crowded places.
- So far this disease has caused 325 thousand deaths in Mexico according to official figures.
- In case of contagion, the IMSS has medical units with Social Security Respiratory Care Modules (MARSS) and areas for hospitalized patients.
After two years and 5.78 million infections, Mexico finally managed to control the most serious health emergency of the last century. But although it is good news, one should not fall into overconfidence because it can be counterproductive. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic is considered active in the country and that implies continuing with the basic care measures.
In this regard, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) reminds the population that it is necessary to continue with the correct use of a mask or mouth cover and remove it only to consume food or when in an outdoor space. In addition, a healthy distance should be ensured in closed or unventilated places, avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places, and constant hand hygiene.
Also, it is recommended to have a complete vaccination and reinforcement schedule, since it helps to reduce a large number of hospitalizations. Not saturate health services and reduce the number of deaths from serious illness associated with SARS-CoV-2.
With this in mind, the IMSS has medical units with Social Security Respiratory Care Modules (MARSS) and areas for inpatients for COVID-19, medical care and nursing care. Also ventilators and intensive care areas for seriously ill patients requiring care.
What to do with a contagion inside the house?
In case of contagion, Social Security recommended that when washing the clothes of the sick person or persons, it should not be mixed with that of other family members. He added that it is important to avoid shaking it, use soap and water, clean and disinfect dirty laundry baskets, and perform hand hygiene because the Covid-19 pandemic is still active.
The IMSS pointed out that the infected person or persons should remain in a specific well-ventilated room, preferably alone and with the door closed. In case of not having a separate room, a minimum distance of 1.5 meters or 2.5 meters in closed spaces must be maintained.
In addition, care should be taken that the sick person avoid leaving the room and minimize movement to other areas of the house such as the dining room, living room or kitchen. If this is not possible, adequate ventilation is necessary. Both the patient and the cohabitants must wear face masks at all times and avoid talking when being in the same space.
Regarding routine cleaning and disinfection at home and in spaces for common use, the Institute explained that preferably plastic, disposable or reusable gloves should be used to carry out this activity.
To disinfect surfaces and objects for common use, 20 milliliters of chlorine should be used in a presentation at 5 or 6 percent diluted in 980 milliliters of water or, where appropriate, with a commercial disinfectant.
In the case of electronic equipment, such as tablets or cell phones, they must be disconnected when cleaning them and use a cloth impregnated with 70 percent alcohol.
Social Security stated that for waste management, a plastic or paper trash can with a lid and bag should be kept in the room of the person or persons with COVID-19. This bag must be changed daily, closed and disposed of daily, and then taken to the garbage can and hand hygiene applied.
It is important to avoid contact with respiratory secretions, fecal matter, urine, or other waste from the sick person. If necessary, disposable gloves and face masks should be used, and hands washed with soap and water.