Coronavirus: Now that the end of pandemic is 'in sight', here are the COVID-19 habits you should keep

Just recently, at a press briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the world has never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the head of the global health agency, "Last week, the number of the weekly reported deaths from COVID-19 was the lowest since March 2020. We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic."

"We are not there yet. But the end is in sight," he told reporters at a virtual press conference.

Since 2020, when the coronavirus was declared an international emergency and a global pandemic, this is his most optimistic outlook so far. However, the Tedros urges people to continue taking precautions to reach the "finish line" and "win" against the virus.

Having said that, here are some of COVID-19 habits that we must continue practicing in our day to day life, even if we're nearing a possible end of the pandemic.

Also read: Coronavirus: Senior COVID survivors 80% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, finds study

The SARs-CoV-2 virus took a terrible toll on our lives. It not only affected our physical health, but also impacted our mental well-being, which is why people became more aware and vigilant. Among the precautionary measures, face masks became the primary protective shield against the deadly virus. It not only curbed the spread of the infection, but also protected those who were and are still the most vulnerable in the society.

Until today, experts recommended wearing a well-fitted mask, as it not only protects against COVID, but also prevents us from contracting other respiratory illnesses like common cold, flu and allergies.

Also read: Is the COVID pandemic finally coming to an end? Doctors share what they think

'Social distancing', a word that came to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, is still very crucial especially when any form of transmissible disease is on the rise. Crowded areas continue to be a hotspot of infections and illnesses. Therefore, maintaining distance from people who are coughing, sneezing, sniffing or experiencing different ranges of respiratory symptoms is of utmost importance.

Even before the onset of COVID-19, doctors and medical professionals emphasized the need to wash hands after touching contaminated and germ-ridden surfaces and objects. Now that the pandemic seems to be coming to an end, the advice still holds. Handwashing is the simplest way to keep germs and diseases at bay. Especially when it comes to kids, make sure that they wash their hands with water or soap before touching their faces or food.

With the onset of COVID-19, many people have become more conscious towards their health. Given that the SARs-CoV-2 virus took a massive toll on people with comorbidities, many have taken a healthier route to keep themselves off of the high risk group list. From making changes to their diet to incorporating different exercise regimes in their daily routine, people have resorted to a more healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, many have made it a top priority to get themselves medically examined on a regular basis, which is another way to prevent illnesses.

The never-ending lockdowns, social distancing and the fear of getting infected put a lot of pressure on people around the world. But one positive thing that came out of that experience is that people became more aware and started acknowledging the reality of mental health struggles.

Over the course of the pandemic, people have also gained some awareness regarding mental health. Mental health issues including stress and anxiety in both adults and kids were highlighted by many experts and psychologists, which is why a lot of people have turned to a more holistic lifestyle, taking their mental well-being into consideration too.

Lastly, vaccinations should be prioritized. Not just COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, but also other important vaccinations that are important to prevent the risk of chronic health conditions.

Vaccines and immunization is the most effective way to reduce the risk of various infectious diseases. This includes polio, tetanus, and measles. Other than that, vaccines like the HPV vaccine can eliminate the risk of infection by certain types of human papillomavirus, which if left untreated can also cause cervical cancer.

That said, even if COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end, make sure you get all your vaccines on time.