Self-isolating in a shared house? Here are our tips!

Despite our best attempts to stay safe, it is likely that many of us will - or already have had - the coronavirus. Maybe you’ve developed a cough. Or perhaps you’re burning up a little. Well, government guidelines indicate you must stay at home for 7 days from the start of these symptoms.

And that’s not it; every other household member must stay home for 14 days, even if they don’t have any symptoms themselves.

Likewise, if anyone has recently been in contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus, they must also self-isolate for 14 days.

The idea of strict self-isolation is pretty weird to most of us; we’re used to regularly interacting with our flatmates or family members (even the annoying ones!). But for your safety, and the safety of millions of others, it really is best to follow the government’s advice.Here are some tips for your daily life in self-isolation:

General tips

• Stay in your room with the door closed, as much as you possibly can
• Practice social distancing, maintaining at least 2m between you and anyone else
• Wash your hands often, vigorously and for at least 20 seconds
  

Bathroom etiquette

• If there is more than one bathroom in the house, allocate that to the person self-isolating. This reduces the opportunity for contamination
• Of course, often there is only one bathroom in the property. In this case, you’ll need to set up a schedule for showering (yes, really). The self-isolating household member should shower last to minimise the chances of affecting another
• Use different towels to others, not only after showering, but when you’re drying your hands too
  

Eating

• Avoid being in the kitchen whilst your flatmates are.
• Don’t eat in the kitchen; take your meals back to your room and give yourself an excuse to eat in bed!
• Use separate utensils and kitchenware
• Clean up after yourself - and force your housemates to do the same!

Of course, whilst we’ve focused on your physical wellbeing, don’t forget that you might find it tough mentally too.You don’t have to be a social butterfly to hate being cooped up alone for a couple of weeks. To keep a smile on your face, here are some of the things we’d recommend:

• Get your mates on the Houseparty app. This allows you to catch up with your pals, join groups and play games
• Watch Netflix together. The Netflix Party extension means you can host long distance movie nights; it syncs the video & has group chat
• Exercise. Making sure you’re still moving around is key when you’re stuck inside. There are loads of resources available online for different classes, from yoga to bodyweight exercises.
• Limit your news intake. Yes, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the latest advice and guidelines; however - for some - being glued to the news can induce social anxiety. Our suggestion is to tune in once in the morning and once in the evening.

That’s about it from us here at PerchPeek. Stay home and stay safe!