4 Ways of Apartment Living: How to Stay Safe and Healthy

Viral epidemics affect many aspects of life even apartment living, including our standards and way of living. There are many ways to pass viruses from one person to another. The most direct method of transmission involves inhaling droplets in the air that are produced when a sick person sneezes or coughs.

But there are other ways of passing on germs. Viruses can stay on a surface for hours, even a day or more on plastic and metal items such as railings, cups, and restaurant tables, among others. So this can be a problem when you live in an area where there are a lot of people.

Apartment living, for instance, can be an ideal haven for viruses. Each resident can just as easily be a depository for germs and bacteria, and pass it onto others when they pass through the mailroom, press the elevators or hold a doorknob. What can you do to stay safe and healthy?

It may seem like a tall order to avoid getting sick, but it is possible. To accomplish this goal, certain behaviours need to change, regardless of whether you are outdoors or indoors.

Listen as experts on property management in Dubai share their tips on how to protect yourself. Practice these tips, whether you are under quarantine or need to go out every once in a while.

Avoid Shared Spaces

Amenities are often used as the draw for people to buy or rent apartment spaces. Swimming pools, common pantries, and fitness centres – are some examples of amenities that bring better value to an apartment. On the downside, the use of shared spaces like these increases the possibility of inhaling contaminants.

Limit your use of such spaces as much as possible to reduce your exposure to contagions. If you get bored or need to work out, there are many ways to do so, even within the confines of your apartment living space. You can watch videos online for ideas to help you out.

But what if you need to use a space extensively, such as passing by the mailroom for packages? Maybe you need the laundry room as you don’t have a washing machine in your unit. These types of shared spaces are essential for some people.

In such situations, try to schedule your visits when there are not many people around. For amenities that are open all day, go earlier or much later than when people usually do. It could be late at night or during the wee hours of the morning.

If you can time going out after the staff cleans the area, then do so. The objective is to avoid getting exposed to contagion as best as you can. It might be uncomfortable going at such times, but it can help keep you safe and reduce your chances of getting sick.

Be Flexible

Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face is one of the easiest ways of getting the viruses into your body. Fingers are not the only ways to push buttons, levers, or doors, so it’s time to get creative.

For instance, you can use your knuckles to punch elevator buttons. Practice that shoulder action when you need to push a door open. Extend those knees and elbows when you need to push levers.

Bring a piece of rough cloth along with you, if you need to go out and turn door knobs or have to touch surfaces. Fabrics can still hold viruses, but using one prevents using your exposed skin from spreading pathogens. The inconvenience of having more fabrics to wash is nothing when compared to getting sick, so keep one on hand, as much as you can.

Pay Bills Online

Money is something that we all need and most commonly handle. Because so many people handle bills, it can easily pass on pathogens from one person to the next. You may not be able to avoid not using money, but there are ways of avoiding holding bills or coins.

Apply for cashless or online payment options. See which billers you can pay using mobile options. Ask your landlord if such alternatives are possible to limit the need to handle money or go to the bank.

Order Online

If you can, do your shopping online, as well. This allows you to stock up on supplies without exposing yourself to crowds. Plus, you can opt to pre-pay using your credit card or mobile bank account – another easy way to avoid touching money.

Many items can be ordered online. You can buy essentials such as groceries, and meals and non-perishables such as clothes, school supplies or hardware.

Limit your shopping to a few stores to reduce shipping fees. This also reduces the amount of packing material you need to deal with afterwards.

Staying inside your home may be inconvenient at times, but it may be essential to keeping yourself safe and healthy.

Experience tells us that you can still do much of your normal activities, even while limiting your trips outdoors. For questions and clarifications, and other safety tips, be sure to contact your local property managers to see what else you can do to stay safe and healthy while indoors.

AUTHOR BIO

Mark Tolland is the Founder and Managing Director at Abode Property, a boutique real estate brokerage firm providing top-notch, personalized services to discerning landlords looking to sell or let out their premises in prime locations of Dubai like Marina, Downtown and The Palm. The firm also advises global HNIs looking to rent or buy a prized asset in Dubai and prides itself in upholding high service standards, ethics and accurate advice.