10 tech tips to "survive" COVID-19 🦠

Yes, we all know our lives have changed and our daily routine is nothing like it was before the COVID-19 outbreak. That is why, with Portugal in a state of emergency, Indigit has put together some tech tips to help you get through this period of quarantine, whether voluntary or mandatory.

Stay informed

COVID-19 is spreading very fast and political and social responses seem slow to arrive. All this, combined with widespread panic, is a terrifying mix. However, if you stay informed, the weight of the numbers may not feel so heavy. But never forget: only look for information on websites from reliable sources, such as:

• well-known news outlets
• Direção Geral de Saúde (the Portuguese health authority)
• World Health Organization

So-called fake news and Facebook groups where people spread false information are very dangerous. As well as helping to spread panic, they cloud the clear view each of us needs at this difficult and unusual time.

Do more of your shopping online

Many of the images that reach the public, and that most fuel public anger, show people stockpiling every product they find in supermarkets, leaving the shelves bare and other shoppers panicking at the sight of them. As well as showing a striking lack of public spirit, these people are increasing their risk of coming into contact with the virus, just to buy products that give them a feeling of being safer.

If supermarkets or pharmacies run out of alcohol or bleach, not everyone will be able to disinfect their hands and homes. And that could increase the spread of the coronavirus.

Avoid crowds by doing your shopping online! Most of the big hypermarket chains already offer this, but you can also use technology to help local shops and stay away from crowds. On websites like this one or this one, you can find grocers, greengrocers and other small businesses where you can shop and avoid the chaos of the big supermarkets.

Compare prices to avoid overpaying

We have all seen images going around the internet of receipts for bottles of alcohol at outrageous prices, or of surgical masks on sale at Continente for €150. That is exactly why you should stay alert and not get ripped off.

Pay attention to small local businesses

The big chains, both supermarkets and other sectors, are advertising heavily about price cuts, new opening hours and home deliveries.

But what about local shops?

Find out what the shops closest to your home are doing. This saves long trips, reduces the risk of infection and supports small businesses. Search Google for the names of these shops and find out whether they are still open with restrictions, whether they deliver to your home or whether they have the product you are looking for. The search engine is encouraging businesses to update their MyBusiness page to keep customers informed during this crisis. Also search Facebook or Instagram, as many of these shopkeepers only use these social media channels to keep customers up to date.

Choose home delivery or collection services

If cost is not a barrier, consider ordering online, through websites or apps, and use home delivery services if they are available where you live. If you do not want to pay the delivery fee (although most businesses have dropped it to attract more customers), check whether the shops you are interested in offer online ordering with in-store collection.

Food delivery apps

If you do not enjoy cooking (or really are no good at it), and you live in a fairly urban area where not all the restaurants have closed, you can avoid crowds by ordering lunch or dinner through Uber Eats or Glovo.

Many restaurants are also still open, though at reduced capacity, with a takeaway service (ordered by phone and paid in advance with MB WAY, Portugal's mobile payment app, for example) or with home delivery. Search Google and social media: you are sure to find places you like!

Don't greet people with a handshake

Shaking hands is a very effective way to spread the coronavirus. Use your phone to show the handshake emoji (who knows, you might start a trend?) or use your elbow. But never, ever shake anyone's hand right now!

Use apps to have fun with family or friends

In the last few days, we have seen hundreds of screenshots of video calls between friends or colleagues working from home. But that is not all apps like House Party do: you can also play games and have fun, even though each of you is at home. Don't break the quarantine!

Wash your hands

Not everything that helps stop the spread of COVID-19 is on the internet, but it cannot be said enough: wash your hands! Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, or with alcohol-based solutions! Sing your favourite song, recite the alphabet four times or count to 50. Whatever you do, wash your hands!