As more and more cities come under the general community quarantine phase or its modified version, and an increasing number of establishments open, everyone is forced to adapt to our new normal situation.
If this is your first time going out, let me tell you this. You have to be prepared. A lot of people are still not wearing their masks correctly, a number of people do not even wear masks at all. I have no idea how they can roam the streets that way but you have to be prepared and must stay vigilant to do our part in avoiding the spread of this deadly virus.
Here are 4 things I always have with me before even going out the front door. Not all of these may be as essential if you are just going out for a walk but if you will be having close-contact activities outside, it is best to really have them in hand.
FACE MASKS
Definitely not the type that you would put on your face for a spa day but the one which can block respiratory droplets. You can opt for a surgical mask or a cloth mask.
A surgical mask is the one used in hospitals, and usually comes in blue or green colors. This cannot be washed or reused. Considering that it is relatively more effective than cloth masks, I wear this when I go out in crowded places and spend longer time thereat.
A cloth mask, by itself, will not protect you from the virus. You need to line it with a filter to block respiratory droplets. Coffee filters may do the trick but any filter or layer will do as long as they are not liquid absorbent. I usually wear this when I am just sitting at the office or in any controlled environment.
ALCOHOL
Another must-have especially when doing activities involving a lot of touching items is alcohol. However, you must remember that not alcohols are created equal.
Although hand washing is still the go-to, alcohols can also kill viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best alcohol to use is the one with more than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol. Check labels when purchasing alcohol.
My favorite is the Pure Protect Sanitizer Alcohol which is a 70% solution. It’s the same alcohol my dentist uses so I know I am in good hands. I just transfer it to a spray bottle with leather case which I got from Grand Ally Carry Goods, and I’m all set to go.
PEN
The new normal requires us to write our names, addresses, and contact numbers in logbooks. Is this a must? Yes, and by agreeing to go in the premises of the building, you are also consenting that personal information will be acquired from you. This will aid establishments in assisting the government for easier contact tracing.
The problem is a lot of people before you already touched that logbook and used the pen provided. To prevent acquiring whatever bacteria or virus is sitting on the pen, bring your own pen and, of course, spray your hands with alcohol after writing.
IDENTIFICATION
It’s a NO ID, NO ENTRY zone everywhere. In areas still under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or General Community Quarantine (GCQ), guards in various establishments will require you to show a quarantine pass, an employment ID, or any other form of identification showing you are one of those exempt to roam the streets.
In military checkpoints, officers will require proof that you actually live in the locality. A driver’s license is usually the best form of identification for them but any ID with your address on it will do the trick.
Do you have all these items in your bags too? Do you have other items not listed? Share about it in the comments or post them on social media with the tag #mirriamdictionary. 😊
Mirriam Dictionary 
That is one gorgeous mask! Must be the prettiest I’ve seen. And the idea to bring your own pens everywhere is so smart. Thank you for the tips.
I got it from the best designer in town. 😊 Stay safe and healthy ❤