Corona virus Tips for Disabled people

Coronavirus Tips for Disabled people As we enter the third month of the Corona-virus pandemic ravaging our country, lock-down restrictions are slowly easing up. But whether or not the shops are open, the risk of Corona-virus will not be eliminated unless there is a vaccine. However, as we adapt to a new life under the spectre of this new threat, ​electric wheelchair users in the UK​ will note that there is a slightly different set of rules for them.

If you are a person who uses an electric mobility scooter, manual wheelchair, or any other type of assistive technology, there are certain precautions that are unique to you that you should take. Since COIVD19 can survive on the surfaces of your wheelchair or electric scooter in UK, any contact you have with a surface can result in the virus being transmitted to you or your wheelchair, and eventually to you. In order to have the best chance at protecting yourself, here are some steps you should take.

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Clean Hands : ​The most important measure against transmission is also the simplest: wash your hands. Wash them for 10-20 seconds using a proper soap, including the fingernails and wrists. As a wheelchair user, make sure that you wash your hands before eating or touching your face, especially if you use your wheelchair in the middle since the buttons or hand rims can carry the virus. Additional use of a sanitizer that is alcohol based may also be prudent. If you are elderly, you may want to limit going outdoors, or wear gloves if you do.

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Clean Wheelchair : ​Unless you are lucky enough to have both an outdoor and indoor wheelchair, any solid surface on your wheelchair should be treated as possibly infected.

Therefore, whenever you wash your hands, take the time to disinfect and treat each surface of your wheelchair using antibacterial wipes. Clean every nook and cranny, including things

like the control surfaces, cushions, arm supports, and any removable parts. Remember that certain materials on your wheelchair will react poorly to harsh chemicals so be careful. ●

Social Distancing : ​The matter of social distancing is changing our impression of personal space. While the prevailing medical advice is to maintain 6 feet of distance, you should note that as a wheelchair user, your sitting height is much lower. Hence you should be maintaining at least a 10-15-foot distance from anybody, especially if they are not wearing a mask.

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Masks : ​Since the lower height puts you at a disadvantage for airborne particles, make sure you are always wearing a mask. Medical Face masks are in short supply at the moment, but a simple face cover or ski mark will keep you from touching your mouth or nose, and block most airborne droplets. The most important thing is limiting hand to face contact, so keep heed.

​To recap: ●

Keep your hands clean, and wash them often, especially before you eat

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Regularly wipe down your wheelchair, and sanitize each part

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Observe social distancing more than standing people, keeping at least 10-15 feet of distance

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Always wear a mask

In this battle, the only way we win is if we all follow the rules together. You have a responsibility towards yourself and your community to do everything you can to prevent the spread of this disease, so follow these tips diligently to the best of your ability. While these precautions are a cumbersome process, more than for the average person, they do offer you the best chance of making it through this successfully. You do not need to live your life in fear if you are smart about these, so chin up and stay safe!