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    A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them – Yahoo Lifestyle - April 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    From Good Housekeeping

    Out of an abundance of caution, the CDC now recommends wearing a face mask or covering any time you go to grocery stores, pharmacies, or other places where social distancing is hard to practice. Since N95 respirators and surgical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers, many people have been putting their DIY skills to the test by creating their own cloth face masks right at home, either by following an easy-to-sew pattern or a quick no-sew tutorial. Others in need of a quick fix are simply ordering ready-made face masks on Etsy and other online retailers.

    As a reminder, the CDC urges that select individuals aren't required to wear face coverings, including children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Everyone else should follow the CDC's guidelines and wear a face mask in public. All face coverings DIY or otherwise should meet the following requirements, as outlined by the CDC:

    Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

    Be secured with ties or ear loops

    Includes multiple layers of fabric

    Allows for breathing without restriction

    Can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

    The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab suggests that tightly woven, 100% cotton is the best fabric to use, which means you can turn a bandana, or fabric from pillowcases, curtains, or woven shirts into a face mask or covering. Be sure to avoid knit fabrics, like jersey T-shirts, because they create holes when stretched. To make the mask even more protective, use a nonwoven interface, coffee filter, or HVAC filter (as long as they don't contain fiberglass) inside the mask to help block particles.

    Making or buying a face mask is just half of it. To ensure that you and your loved ones are staying as safe and healthy as possible, it's also important to clean cloth face masks regularly to limit the spread of germs. There are differing reports on whether or not coronavirus can live on clothes. Harvard Health, in particular, suggests that the disease is more likely to live on hard surfaces (think: countertops and door handles) than soft surfaces like fabric. Regardless, the CDC, along with the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, urges that you give cloth face masks the same level of care as your regular laundry, which means you should wash and dry them often per the CDC's guidelines.

    Story continues

    The CDC has general guidelines on how to properly clean most cloth and fabric masks:

    Fabric face masks should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use

    A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering

    Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing

    However, these one-size-fits-all guidelines don't necessarily take into account the different types of fabric and filters used, especially in DIY masks. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, suggests that all face masks should be washed with hot water in the washing machine, and tumble dried on high heat. More delicate masks that are handsewn may need to be washed by hand. If so, lather masks with soap and scrub them for at least 20 seconds with warm to hot water before tossing in the dryer. For peace of mind, iron masks on the cotton or linen setting to kill any remaining germs.

    While there are some other cleaning methods floating around the Internet that suggest sanitizing face masks by sticking them in the microwave, oven, or a pot of boiling water, Forte doesn't recommended them since they are nowhere near as effective as standard washing and drying.

    Think about it: You wouldn't make coffee with an old coffee filter the same idea applies for face coverings. Most filters that you would add to homemade face masks are intended for single use, so it's best to replace them after each use.

    Coffee filters: Disposable paper products are not washable, so replace them after each use.

    HVAC filters: While they are washable, manufacturers warn that they're intended for single use. If you decide to sew the filters between cotton fabrics, wash in the same way as mentioned above, but keep in mind that the effectiveness will decrease with each wash.

    Medium weight nonwoven interface: This fabric is typically washable, so follow the method mentioned above.

    There aren't any hard and fast rules regarding how often you should wash face masks because it's really depending on the frequency of use, according to the CDC. If you want to be extra cautious or think there may be a possibility that someone is symptomatic, or has sneezed or coughed within close proximity, clean your face mask after each use. Keep in mind, though, that you shouldn't be using face masks frequently, since public health officials urge everyone to only go to grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores when they are in need of essential items.

    As more information about the coronavirus pandemic develops, some of the information in this story may have changed since it was last updated. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the online resources provided by the CDC, and the World Health Organization. You can work to better protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and sanitizing your home, among other actions.

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    Original post:
    A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them - Yahoo Lifestyle

    How to keep your phone coronavirus free without damaging it – 9Honey - April 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Leading health experts have advised us against touching our face during coronavirus, but one thing we arguably handle just as much in this modern world are our phones.

    Research conducted by King University found on average, we touch our phones 2,617 times a day with smartphone users unlocking their screens as much as 150 times from the moment they wake up, to when they go to sleep.

    Comparably, we're known to touch our faces as much as 23 times an hour.

    And as self-isolation forces us to stare into the cellular voids that are our devices for virtual contact, these numbers are likely to increase, begging the question - do we need to clean our phones to avoid contracting COVID-19?

    According to the World Health Organization, while it remains unclear how long the virus lasts on surfaces, studies suggest it may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.

    Dr Amy Edwards, a specialist in infectious diseases claims to clean her phone "at least once a day" in a statement to Grow, while reminding people to be "vigilant, but calm and not to panic.

    Cleaning influencer Melissa Maker even famously said "your phone is like a third hand because you're constantly touching it."

    Apple expert, Emmanuel Lopez informed 9Honey, that while we may be more disciplined about washing our hands, our phone still comes into contact with multiple spaces each day.

    "It's best to get into the habit of keeping your device clean during coronavirus, but also in general for the health of your device too," he said.

    Like a quality morning skincare routine, phones require a gentle, but effective process to cut through the grime of daily life.

    So, for the most addicted app users to the purist landline callers, here's a damage-free guide to properly cleaning your phone.

    Where rubbing alcohol may cleanse kitchen messes and open wounds, much like too much alcohol exposure is terrible for our health, so too is it for your phone. The safest bet is to opt for alcohol concentrated wipes, where the mixture is fixed each time. Lopez recommends using "wipes with 70% isopropyl" and "gentle, circular wiping motions over the exterior surface," of your device.

    Tapping your way through the day leaves dreaded fingerprint marks across the screen. The safest way to salvage your resolution from bodily oils is a gentle scrub with a microfiber cloth. Though smartphones are typically water resistant - to an extent - but a "firm rubbing motion" is enough to restore your screen to it's mirror-like resolution.

    For phone purists, devices with buttons present a cleaning challenge most millennials have no concept of. Using toothpicks and skewers can assist in freeing the dust caught between dialling. Covering the buttons with tape can also help remove any lint or grime stuck in slim crevices.

    Turns out people with a pore-perfect complexion may have another glowing face to cleanse each night before bed. Specific make up removers for phones exist, however, a gentle spritz of your own make up remover on a tissue or cotton pad works a charm too.

    Conserve your hand sanitiser resources and don't use them on your phone - same goes for window cleaner, kitchen chemicals, soaps, vinegar and anything with enough bleach in it to turn your hair platinum blonde. Remember your phone is sensitive, like that last text you sent your coronavirus love.

    Whatever you do, Lopez stresses "don't submerge your phone in any cleaning agents" or you may be soaking your device in rice until the pandemic is over.

    There are currently 6,462 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia.

    Read more here:
    How to keep your phone coronavirus free without damaging it - 9Honey

    Life on the inside: 10 household chores to finally complete during lockdown – BreakingNews.ie - April 17, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Right now, were struggling to overcome a pandemic, but our hygiene standards are at an all-time high. A diligence for hand washing has spilled over into the household, and for once weve got the time to deal with domestic tasks frequently neglected.

    Bored with tidying the living room, scrubbing the bathroom and disinfecting kitchen surfaces? Step up to the challenge of ticking off jobs you probably never even imagined needed doing.

    1. Blitz oven grime(Nick Ansell/PA)

    Hobs regularly get a rinse down, but how often do we tackle ovens? Over time, fat and food debris build up on the walls and shelving, burning and spewing fumes every time the appliance is switched on.

    Choose a non-caustic cleaning product to avoid damage to both kitchen surfaces and your health any stubborn stains can be cleared by soaking them with bicarbonate of soda overnight. Non-toxic products shouldnt leave lingering odours, but to be safe fill a tray with water and lemon juice and heat to 120C for 20 minutes beforehand.

    2.Remove dust from radiators(Yui Mok/PA)

    Whatever the design, radiators are magnets for dust, which often ends up collecting in the hardest to reach places.

    Allowing it to fester is not only unhygienic but can also impair heating performance, so its worth making the effort to delve in.

    For tight spots impossible to vacuum, collect fluff by dangling a damp cloth, or wrap it around a wire coat hanger for greater control.

    3. Moth-bomb wardrobes(English Heritage/PA)

    Lockdown conveniently coincides with moth season, which traditionally kicks off in April or May.

    If you want to rid pantries, carpets and wardrobes of infestations, now is the time to strike before warm weather causes dormant eggs to hatch. Lavender pouches and cedar blocks are all deterrents, but sticky paper traps and moth bombs are the most effective weapons.

    Any clothes with telltale webbed cases should be put in the freezer for 48 hours.

    4. Empty kitchen cupboards(Barry Batchelor/PA)

    At a time when supermarket trips should be minimised, creating storage space for long-life food is more important than ever. While most items are stamped with expiry dates, others fall into a grey area. Can you recall exactly when those burgers went into the freezer?

    And how long have strands of saffron been drifting around the bottom of a spice jar? According to the NHS, its best to eat frozen meat within three to six months; after that, taste deteriorates although its still safe. Most spices have a shelf life of three to four years.

    5. Sort sock drawers(Ben Birchall/PA)

    How irritating is it to wake up and find a drawer full of odd socks? Admittedly, Skype, Zoom and Houseparty only require dressing from waist up, but there is a sense of self-respect to be earned from wearing matching smalls. Empty the drawer, lay out each sock and ball them into pairs. Think of it as a game of Snap.

    6. Detangle electrical cables(Royal Family/PA)

    Not everything in the world is wireless. When the back of a TV set starts to resemble electrical spaghetti, its time to tidy cords and cables neatly away.

    Hair scrunchies can be used to create manageable bundles, or thread stray wires through empty toilet rolls to avoid any tangles.

    7. Descale the showerhead(Ian Nicholson/PA)

    In areas with hard water, limescale deposits quickly form in bathroom taps, turning power showers into pathetic trickles over time.

    White vinegar is the simple, cost-effective solution: clean a removable spout by immersing it in a bucket of the acidic liquid; if the shower is fixed, fill a plastic bag instead and use a rubber band to tie it to the head.

    8. Steam clean a mattress(Rentokil Pest Control/PA)

    Its a place where we spend a good proportion of our lives, so its no surprise that beds are a den of dirty hair and dead skin cells.

    A vacuum cleaner will remove most of the detritus from a mattress, while baking soda can be used to help soak up stains and deodorise bad smells. Steam cleaners get the best results and should be used every few months.

    9. Clean windows crystal clear(Ben Birchall/PA)

    At the moment, were spending a lot of time gazing through windows, and who really wants to connect with the outside world through a veil of pigeon poo?

    Its tempting to choose a sunny day to get glass gleaming, but if cleaner dries too quickly it will form streaks.

    While squeegees are a window cleaners favourite tool, its easier and less messy to use a microfibre cloth for smaller panes.

    10. Deodorise the washing machine(Yui Mok/PA)

    If your whites are running grey after cycles emitting foul smells, its likely the washing machine is due a good clean.

    Use an old toothbrush to scrub the detergent drawer, clear the debris filter (its usually on the bottom of the machine, behind a hinged cover) and clean the drum with dishwasher tablets on a hot wash.

    See the article here:
    Life on the inside: 10 household chores to finally complete during lockdown - BreakingNews.ie

    Cleaning Products Can Kill The COVID-19 Virus. Here’s What to Use in Your House – ScienceAlert - March 31, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    COVID-19 has only been around for a few months, so at this point scientists don't know that much about it. But more is being learned every day.

    We now know, for example, it can live on surfaces for up to nine days and survives in the air for a few hours. We also now know that the virus particles are shed through saliva and fluids coughed up from the lungs. And that the virus can also be shed from our faeces.

    It's easy for an infected person to spread the virus particles through coughing, touching other people or leaving the virus on surfaces.

    Undoubtedly, hand-washing after being in public spaces is key to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But what should we be doing in our homes to eliminate it?

    Two recent studies have investigated how long coronaviruses survive on different surfaces. The research looked at a number of different viruses including SARS-CoV-2 the coronavirus that has caused COVID-19. And it found that the survival times varied according to the type of surface.

    The virus survived for longest on stainless steel and plastic for up to nine days. The shortest survival times of one day was for paper and cardboard.

    Table of time surviving in air and on surfaces. (Lena Ciric)

    The amount of virus particles during this time does reduce, but it's worrying that the particles can last for days rather than hours or minutes on a surface.

    So, how good are the cleaning products already in your cupboards at killing SARS-CoV-2? There is some good news in the list below.

    Soap and water are your first line of defence to remove the virus from surfaces. Soap interferes with the fats in the virus shell and lift the virus from surfaces and this is then rinsed off by water.

    Of course, you also need to wash your hands when you come in from the shops and wash your food as normal.

    The active ingredient in bleach sodium hypochlorite is very effective at killing the virus. Make sure you leave the bleach to work for 10-15 minutes then give the surface a wipe with a clean cloth.

    The bleach works by destroying the protein and what's known as the ribonucleic acid (RNA) of the virus this is the substance that gives the blueprint for making more virus particles when you become infected. Be sure to use the bleach as directed on the bottle.

    Surgical spirit is mostly made up of the alcohol ethanol. Ethanol has been shown to kill coronaviruses in as little as 30 seconds. Like bleach, the alcohol destroys the protein and RNA that the virus is made up of.

    Moisten a cloth with some neat surgical spirit and rub it over a surface. This will evaporate and you will not need to wipe it off.

    The active ingredient in surface wipes is an antiseptic usually benzalkonium chloride. The wipes work by physically removing germs through the pressure you apply when you use them, and the germs then attach to the wipe.

    They also leave a layer of the antiseptic on the surface that works to kill germs. The antiseptic works well on bacteria as well as on coronaviruses that infect mice and dogs but it seems to make no difference to the spread of human coronavirus.

    Antiseptics work by disrupting the fats in pathogen cells, but SARS-CoV-2 does not contain many fats. So far, there is no evidence that antiseptics can kill human coronaviruses.

    A word of warning though about hand sanitisers. The main ingredient in hand sanitisers that will kill SARS-CoV-2 is ethanol, the alcohol in surgical spirit. But its concentration in the sanitiser is very important it has to be over 70 percent or it will not kill the virus effectively.

    One thing you can also do is make sure you air out the spaces you are spending time in regularly. An infected person will produce thousands of tiny droplets which contain the virus every time they cough.

    SARS-CoV-2 can survive in the air for up to three hours. So by opening the window, you can remove and disperse the droplets and reduce the amount of virus in the air which will reduce the risk of infection for others.

    We are living in uncertain times but it's reassuring to know that we have some weapons we can use to fight COVID-19 in our homes.

    The bottom line: keep washing your hands, use 70 percent hand sanitiser, dust off the bleach and open a window to let in the spring air.

    Lena Ciric, Associate Professor in Environmental Engineering, UCL.

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    See more here:
    Cleaning Products Can Kill The COVID-19 Virus. Here's What to Use in Your House - ScienceAlert

    Window cleaner finds way to thrive during slowdown – The Daily Courier - March 31, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Trying times call for innovative solutions.

    Rather than close up shop and send everyone home, which is what most businesses are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Next Level Window Cleaning of Kelowna has stepped it up.

    We emailed all our past clients and everyone we know to let them know were still open for business, said owner Brandon Gawdun.

    And rather than just do the typical special offer, we decided for every window cleaning booked in March we would donate $29 to the B.C. Schizophrenia Society, because mental health is so important.

    To comply with social distancing and the fact people dont want outsiders in their homes right now, Next Level has suspended all indoor window cleaning.

    But we can certainly do all our regular outdoor services like exterior window washing, gutter cleaning, moss treatments (on roofs), pressure washing and soft wash, said Gawdun.

    And its been going very well. I have two crews of two guys each out right now, which is the same as I had last year in March. Hiring is going ahead to add two more crews next month.

    Next Level follows all WorkSafeBC and Canadian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

    Payment can be arranged by phone or email when you book an appointment at LiveNextLevel.ca so window cleaners can simply arrive and do the work without having to knock on your door.

    Demand for house washing and deck cleaning with pressure washing and soft wash has gone up with the pandemic.

    The solution used in such washes is hot water, detergent and bleach a cleaning and disinfecting that kills all viruses, including the novel coronavirus.

    Weve actually pivoted with our soft wash truck to offer not just residential washes, but washes for grocery stores and pharmacies that want outdoor washes, said Gawdun.

    A soft wash or pressure wash typically costs $300 to $350, outdoor window cleaning averages $200 to $250, moss treatment usually runs $500 and gutter cleaning costs $200.

    With people spending more time at home and controlling what they can control, window cleaning has really come to the forefront, said Gawdun.

    Its part of having a calm, healthy, clean home that promotes feeling good and good mental health.

    That puts a lot of onus on window cleaning, along with the indoor cleaning, decluttering and organizing people may be doing with more time on their hands at home during COVID-19 isolation.

    Im optimistic if we come together as a community and follow all government protocols quickly and strictly, as tough as they may be, we can overcome this rough time together and enjoy a beautiful Okanagan summer on the other side of it, said Gawdun.

    This too shall pass. Stay positive my friends.

    Read the original:
    Window cleaner finds way to thrive during slowdown - The Daily Courier

    Open for Business | The Window Guys – 13WMAZ.com - March 31, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    MACON, Ga. We at 13WMAZ want to support our small business community during what could be a difficult time due to the COVID-19 outbreak. That's why we're spotlighting those who are still "Open for Business," and operating in a safe manner.

    This is the time of year when you may be thinking of cleaning up the outside of your home or business.

    A Central Georgia company is still "open for business" and is taking that deep clean a step further.

    The Window Guys is an exterior cleaning company. They clean siding, windows, concrete and gutters.

    Now they're adding playgrounds to that list.

    Owner Chris Belflower and his five person crew are donating their cleaning services to all Macon-Bibb public elementary school playgrounds.

    They cleaned four playgrounds on Friday and have 16 more to do.

    The goal is to give students a nice, fresh and clean place to play when they eventually return to school.

    "In times like this it's just really important to stay positive, try to keep momentum going as a leader of your business and a leader of your team, make sure you're sending a positive message to your employees and your community," Belflower said.

    If you'd like to learn more about The Window Guys, you can call 478-216-8468 or follow them on their Facebook page.

    OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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    FACTS NOT FEAR|At 13WMAZ, were focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the coronavirus. To see our full coverage, visit our site section here: http://www.13wmaz.com/Coronavirus.

    More here:
    Open for Business | The Window Guys - 13WMAZ.com

    Tips for cleaning cars in the COVID-19 era – The Daily News Online - March 31, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    The COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly changing how people live their everyday lives.

    Motorists who are driving during the outbreak will want to do their part to prevent the virus from being carried inside their vehicle.

    Conveniently, most household cleaners that kill coronavirus are safe to use on a car interior without causing damage. Cleaning solutions that are at least 70 percent alcohol are effective against coronavirus, and they are generally very safe on car interiors, according to AAA Automotive and AAA Insurance.

    Follow these tips to disinfect your vehicle:

    Dont use bleach and hydrogen peroxide cleaners. Though they can kill coronavirus, they might also damage the cars upholstery.

    When cleaning out-of-the-ordinary surfaces such as suede, Alcantara (synthetic suede) or older headliners, its smart to check the owners manual for automaker recommendations.

    Take time to give your car a thorough cleaning while wearing disposable gloves. You may want to vacuum and remove any trash or debris if necessary. Clean dirty surfaces using detergent or soap and water before disinfecting.

    When using your disinfectant solution, dont just wipe the obvious areas like the steering wheel and door handles. Make sure you clean the complete interior of the vehicle.

    You can follow up by applying protectant to the interior surfaces. Professional detailers use products that preserve the original factory finish, which usually has a natural matte or satin appearance. Avoid silicone-based protectants that leave a shiny, greasy finish that tends to attract dust.

    Use an alcohol-based window cleaner for all window surfaces. This should work for touchscreen displays as well but consult your cars manual to be safe.

    To be thorough, clean the carpets and floors. Carpets can be cleaned by spraying a suitable detergent solution on spots, using a brush to work it in, then rubbing with a towel to remove the stain and cleaner.

    Cleaning dirtier areas, particularly floor mats and cargo area carpeting, may require the use of a carpet steam cleaner equipped with a hand-held attachment. Cloth upholstery is cleaned in much the same manner as carpets.

    Now that your car is clean, keep some disinfectant wipes on hand to routinely wipe off commonly touched areas.

    Continue to keep your car tidy and disinfected, and maybe add an air freshener to complete that new car feel.

    See the CDCs full list of disinfectants that can kill COVID-19 virus online at https://tinyurl.com/uf5kbyc.

    The fork ratings are based primarily on food quality and preparation, with service and atmosphere factored into the final decision. Reviews are based on one unsolicited, unannounced visit to the restaurant.

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    Tips for cleaning cars in the COVID-19 era - The Daily News Online

    Coronavirus Q&A: 15 questions on work, holidays and everyday life answered – ITV News - March 31, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    We know you have many questions about coronavirus and how it's impacting your life - so ITV News is putting your questions to the experts in a special weekly programme, called Coronavirus: Q&A.

    The programme is broadcast every Monday at 8pm on ITV.

    In this week's programme, Consumer Editor Chris Choi answered some of the many questions ITV News viewers and readers sent in about how the outbreak is affecting your health work, travel and your everyday life.

    These are the answers to the questions Chris answered on the programme, plus other questions we didn't have time to include on air.

    Steven: I am classed as extremely vulnerable but can't get a supermarket delivery slot. My food supply is getting very low what am I meant to do?

    Answer: If friends, family or neighbours can help, make sure they leave supplies on the doorstep and do not enter your home.

    Please dont be shy to ask for help.

    Don't feel alone.

    Volunteers and food banks are operating in many areas, check local papers and online.

    The Government is sending free basic food parcels, 50,000 this week.

    You can register for support on the Government's coronavirus website - or call the number included in the NHS letter being sent to the extremely vulnerable.

    Chloe: I am on a zero-hours contract, I'm not earning any money. What help can I get?

    Answer: Employees on zero hours contracts are eligible for the Government job retention scheme.

    If you and your employer agree, you can be put on furlough which puts your job on hold.

    It pays you 80% of your usual income up to 2,500 a month.

    This will be based on your average monthly earnings.

    Natalie: If someone is high risk and advised to take 12 weeks off work - does the Government pay for this period of time?

    Answer: If you are an employee remaining at home on government advice you should get Statutory Sick Pay, as long as you usually earn more than 118 per week.

    You will get this from day one.

    Dean: As a window cleaner, I work on my own and rarely make contact with customers as they pay online. Should I get back out to work?

    Answer: Official advise is to work from home if you can you certainly can't.

    People stuck inside need to be able to see outside - so Im sure youll be appreciated.

    Work carefully, there's a big campaign to prevent accidents at the moment because nobody want to distract the NHS.

    Michael: My wife works as a supermarket checkout operator but has received a GP letter telling her to socially distance for two weeks. Can she be furloughed?

    Answer: Furlough is for if the work isn't there any more but as we know supermarkets are busy and staff are doing amazing work.

    If you are told to self-isolate, you can get sick pay from day one of your time off.

    It's usually 94.25 per week.

    Mr Spence: I'm a refuse collector. Should we be wearing extra protection?

    Answer: We know the virus can live on surfaces for days.

    Some councils are asking people to put used tissues and cleaning cloths aside perhaps in a bag for 72 hours before placing in the bins.

    Refuse collectors wear gloves which should protect them - washing after a shift will be more vital than ever.

    Lucy: We are due to go to Bali mid-June, while my son is due to go inter-railing in mid-July. What are the chances we will be allowed to travel?

    Answer: The current advice against travel only lasts until April 15, but it's likely to be extended.

    Restrictions in all destinations are now hard to predict.

    Its the same advice to anyone who has booked a summer holiday - dont cancel yet or you will lose your money.

    If the travel ban is extended and travel firms cancel holidays you will be entitled to refunds - so best to wait for now.

    Katie: Ive booked a holiday to Cyprus in September, should I pay the next instalment?

    Answer: If you keep up the payments you will get a refund if the holiday gets cancelled.

    If you dont pay you are likely to lose what you have already paid.

    Consumer group Which? recommends paying the full balance in this situation - but not until after April 16, as the official advice will have been updated by then and the situation may be clearer.

    Kay: Can my family of four can travel by car from the north-east of England to go to a family funeral in south Yorkshire?

    Answer: Condolences for your loss.

    Yes you can travel for a funeral.

    You can also stay in a hotel overnight if you need to when attending a funeral.

    Once you are at the funeral you must remain two metres away from others.

    Richard: What is a person in isolation supposed to do to top-up pre-payment gas and electricity meters?

    Answer: On average, energy for a two-week isolation would cost 46.

    Ask family and friends to top up cards for you staying two metres away at all times.

    Some firms have increased the amount of emergency reserve, for example Npower from 7 to 45, Eon 5 to 50.

    Others like British Gas say you can call them or go online.

    Michael: Can you tell me is it possible to get a simple thing like a haircut?

    Answer: Salons and barbers are shut and could be for some time.

    If a member of your household has these skills, great.

    As a warning to all, take a look at some terrible results of home haircuts posted on social media.

    It may be time to consider a hat.

    Maureen: I am in the vulnerable category for a food delivery. What safety measures should we adopt when unpacking food deliveries?

    Answer: Shopping should be left on your doorstep.

    Unpack it, carefully discard the packing, then wash your hand thoroughly.

    A new study from Princeton University shows the virus can survive on packaging up to three days.

    Sharon: I am in the "at risk" group but have to walk my dog. I am really worried about coronavirus being passed on via pets.

    Answer: Getting out into the fresh air for exercise can do you good but stay two metres away from others.

    Official UK Government advice is that there is no evidence pets can be infected with coronavirus.

    However, the problem is that dogs dont do social distancing.

    If they get patted by other people they can carry virus into your home not a big risk, but just wash your hands after stroking pets.

    We are now living in an era when humans are looking forward to their daily walkies as much as the dogs.

    Denise: Is there any provision to waive payments for student accommodation where students are back home with parents and unable to travel back?

    Answer: Some campuses are offering refunds - not all.

    Most students in halls of residence have a fixed term agreement contract.

    You can get out of it only if the landlord agrees, or if you have a break clause in the contract.

    Accommodation providers will be judged according to how well they treat people so some may be persuaded it's in their interests to release students from their contacts.

    Shirley: I have a weekly cleaner, which I need for health reasons. Should she still be coming?

    Answer: If you are in the vulnerable group anyone coming into your home carries extra risk, so avoid using your cleaner if possible.

    If your cleaner is needed on health grounds and neither of you is in the category that should be isolating (ie. you have symptoms or have been exposed to somebody that has), arrange things so you are able to keep six feet apart.

    One aspect of this crisis is that cleaners have become more recognised and valued for what they do.

    Last updated Mon 30 Mar 2020

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    Coronavirus Q&A: 15 questions on work, holidays and everyday life answered - ITV News

    The Citizen’s community bulletin board: Good deeds and more during COVID-19 – The Citizen - March 31, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Linda Johnson, of Auburn, thanks her neighbor Jessica Gasparro for gifting people in the community with red bows recently. Cards attached to the bows say they honor and support health care workers in the community. Gasparro has also tied bows around some trees on Genesee Street downtown, and near Auburn Community Hospital.

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    MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora has begun making reusable masks for local first responders and health care workers, including Auburn Community Hospital, Cayuga Correctional Facility and local New York State Police barracks. The retailer is also in talks with local nursing homes. The team previously responsible for creating and sewing bags and other small home decor items is working on the masks, and hopes to send out 500 a week for the foreseeable future.

    The family of Marilyn Kirk Zeyak is asking the community to wish her a happy 80th birthday by sending cards to her at 2329 Dodd Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23454. Marilyn was born and raised in Auburn, and her family was planning a surprise party for March 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn before they were forced to cancel it due to the coronavirus.

    The Moravia Hope Pantry is serving triple the usual number of families at this time, and so the pantry is seeking donations of money and nonperishable food. Money can be sent to P.O. Box 462, 66 Aurora St., Moravia, and food can be placed in the tubs outside the entrance at that same address.

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    The Citizen's community bulletin board: Good deeds and more during COVID-19 - The Citizen

    Celebrities on clean-up duty: how Katrina Kaif, Joan Collins and more are helping out around the house – The National - March 31, 2020 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Doing the dishes, taking out the garbage and whipping up home-cooked meals are commonplace for us mere mortals but there is something rather refreshing about seeing our favourite celebrities do the same/

    With A-listers around the world quarantined or self-isolating, many have taken to social media to show themselves performing everyday household chores. From window cleaning to sweeping the floor, heres a look at how some celebrities are pulling their weight around the house.

    Some have even sent out appreciative messages to their regular house-help, acknowledging the work they do and giving them the kudos they deserve.

    The Bollywood actress has been extremely active around the house, judging by her Instagram account. Last week she put up a post explaining that, with her house helper self-isolating, she and her sister, Isabelle Kaif, were taking turns to do the dishes. She even uploaded a short tutorial to show people (who may have forgotten) the right way to clean dishes (that also saves water).

    This really makes you appreciate all the help we have at home, she captioned the post.

    However, that wasnt the end of it. Two days later, she put up another post showing her sweeping the floor. Were all doing our part, she said in the caption, adding that it was really good exercise.

    The award-winning British actress, 86, is not having any house help over as she stays in self-isolation. Instead, Collins shared a picture on her social media, showcasing her and husband Percy Gibson cleaning out their house. While shes spotted cleaning the windows, Gibson seems to be on make-the-bed duty. Well, somebody has to do it, reads her caption.

    Although not technically an everyday chore, Bollywood actress Sharma got quite a lot of attention online when she posted a sweet video of herself cutting husband Kohlis hair. This is what quarantine does to you, the cricketer joked in the video, which has accrued four 4 million views in a day.

    The British singer-songwriter has posting regularly about her self-quarantine, and has even been sharing her playlists online. Heres a video of the singer washing dishes while belting out a tune.

    The model and cookbook author famously knows and loves all things food, so it comes as no surprise that Teigen has spent a good part of her social isolation whipping up a storm in the kitchen with husband John Legend and their children. She recently made headlines when she shared pictures of a banana bread she baked, which she then offered to trade online with anyone who could give the family lettuce. YouTube star Chris Klemens took up the offer and later shared a funny picture of their social-distancing-friendly swap.

    Teigen isnt the only celebrity spending her lockdown baking. Earlier this week, Kapoor shared a picture of herself baking a cake for her family and staff while practising social distancing, using the hashtag #stayhome.

    Indian actor and model Shukla is certainly keeping busy, too. The star recently posted a four-minute YouTube video showcasing him doing a number of household chores, including chopping onions, dusting and washing the dishes.

    Meanwhile, Arora Khan told fans all about her love for cooking. In a bid to stay safe and healthy, the star took to making a vegetable stew, with a recipe she borrowed from her mother. She shared the process on Instagram, reminding people to stay home. I hope you too utilise this time to do something positive and healthy. Stay calm and stay safe, she added.

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    Read more:

    Coronavirus: fashion houses around the world are helping in the fight against Covid-19

    In non-important news, Jim Carrey will be growing a beard until the end of Covid-19 crisis

    Celebrities homeschooling their children: from the Beckhams to Stacey Solomon

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    Updated: March 29, 2020 05:58 PM

    See the article here:
    Celebrities on clean-up duty: how Katrina Kaif, Joan Collins and more are helping out around the house - The National

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