The new episode of CoVID-19 and the necessary precautions to avoid it

The coronavirus continues to spread through the United States and other countries, leading many to wonder what next steps will be taken by our government to combat the virus. In response, there are a variety of measures being implemented daily. These measures include social distancing guidelines, increasing mask wearing, restrictions on gatherings, and even travel bans for some nations. It is possible that these regulations may change over time as more data becomes available. However, if this happens then we should all practice safety management to protect ourselves and others from any potential COVID-19 exposure. Here is an overview of different ways you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Practice Safety Management

COVID-19 has infected many people in the United States and globally. If you or someone you know develops symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to isolate yourself from others until you are cleared by testing. For example, stay home when you’re sick, wear a face covering, wash hands often with soap and water if you have been around someone who has had COVID-19, and keep at least six feet away from anyone with COVID-19 or another respiratory illness. Remember that not everyone with COVID-19 will develop symptoms. Contact health care providers early to get a test if you think you have COVID-19. Testing may show that you don’t have the virus but you should follow CDC guidance to get well quickly. You can also take the following actions: self-monitor your symptoms, see a doctor if you feel sick, seek emergency medical care for severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, headache, or pain or swelling in the arm or a fever, limit day activities, drink lots of fluids, avoid contact with others, and wear masks. If you are feeling anxious or worried about COVID-19, call 911 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800–273-TALK) or visit hollis.gov.

Know Your Rights

If you were exposed to COVID-19 you have rights to receive tests, quarantine, and treatments. When you get tested for COVID-19 you will be asked for the full name, address, phone number, date of birth, and Social Security Number. A copy of that information will be sent with the results of your test. You should receive a report about your exposure and what is being done to protect you and others. People who have symptoms of COVID-19 like a fever or cough should wait until they have recovered before going to a hospital.

Wear Masks

Wearing a mask is one way we can reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Wearing a mask protects you and others from getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Some experts say that masks work better than vaccines because they give the body protection from inhaling the virus. But there are several things you need to consider. To start, do you need to wear a mask depending on where you live or go? Do you have access to clean masks? Are you able to put away clean masks? And how long have you been sick? It’s likely you’ll change what type of mask you wear over time, so check your location frequently. There are also types of masks in stores and pharmacies that you can choose from for less money. Also consider including disposable N95s (N95 respirator), KN95s (N95 KN95), FFP2+ (Filtration + Protection + 2 layers), and surgical masks, which provide higher filtration and can filter out smaller viruses such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. The most recent research shows that individuals with compromised immune systems such as those who have received organ transplants appear to benefit from wearing mask-wearing compared to those without such diseases. For adults, it is appropriate to use a cloth face covering or a surgical mask when around other people who aren’t members of their household until the person feels healthy enough to resume normal indoor activities. However, older adults with underlying conditions are encouraged to continue using a single-use N95 or KN95. Using a reusable or disposable cover will only cover up to 95% of the area. If you need to continue using a mask, dispose of them properly. Consider using gloves and hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands each time. Keep the area clear of debris like food, toys, clothes, and pet hair while cleaning. Wash your hands after changing into and walking out of public places. Disinfect the reusable, disposable, and laundered items you brought into your home. Before starting another task, take a look at whether you should wear a mask. Follow federal and state guidelines for what to wear. As of now, you can take off your mask at work, school, shopping center, library, and other crowded locations until you feel well enough or are instructed by employees. If you are leaving your house, always remove your mask when you enter or leave certain areas. This includes bathrooms and elevators. The most common mask-wearing mistakes include not removing the proper mask correctly or putting on a loose cloth mask. Wear a good quality mask. Choose one that fits snugly over your nose and mouth when you speak. Don’t forget to add extra coverage around your chin and ears to prevent fogging, leaks, and gaps from developing between the edges of your mask. Not every mask needs to fit perfectly throughout the neck line. Most disposable and reusable masks, including N95s and KF94s, cover only your upper half and leave open for airflow. Look for a design that allows you to breathe easily with ease. Make sure your mask fits comfortably. Loose fitting clothes and accessories that fall down are easy to lose, and could cause friction and blockages if left unsupervised. Be careful about purchasing air filters. If you have an allergy to fabric, ask a sales associate about options available in stores such as elastic bands instead. Reusable disposable masks must be washed or sterilized after use. They can also get dirty. Ensure masks last longer by replacing used ones as needed. Use good personal hygiene practices, avoid touching your eyes and nose, and wash your hands after handling hot surfaces. Disinfecting high touch-points like elevator buttons and stair rails with alcohol-based sanitizers (alcohol wipes or cotton balls). Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Never share anything that you wear without washing or drying it first. Store used disposable masks in an approved germ-free container at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Replace worn masks with fresh air-tight, non-toxic masks when necessary.

Wash Hands Often With Soap and Water

Don’t let unclean hands ruin the moment you spend together as a family. After preparing for meals, wash your hands often with soap and warm water to kill germs and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. While you’re cooking, don’t touch your own food. Cover your dining utensils when you’re taking a break to eat. Ask a person to wipe your table after each course. Set aside individual eating utensils, utensil racks, and silverware with a little space between them to avoid touching each other’s dishes. Clean your hands once you’ve finished eating. Dishes shouldn’t be left unattended even a minute or two before serving. Then wash hands thoroughly after handling dishes. Always use a sink to run water, especially during cold weather. Have kids and older guests wash their hands too. Finally, wash hands after caring for animals and pets. Keeping hands clean will make it easier to handle cold foods, and when handling high touch-points like counters, handles, etc., because germs will be removed faster.

Wash Hands Short

If you find you may already have been spending too much time in close proximity to others, it is recommended that you limit interactions with strangers and maintain physical distance. In order to avoid spreading infections, limit contact with others by keeping groups, events, and gatherings small. This means reducing large gatherings to just 10 people and gathering sizes to no more than 25 people. Even small contact groups may require social distancing and proper ventilation if possible. Also consider limiting travel and indoor experiences to people in your immediate household. Avoid traveling if you have had close contacts with someone in the past 14 days or you have been exposed to COVID-19 recently. Traveling with loved ones can be risky because you may come into contact with the virus. If you have recently traveled to the U.S., please talk to a health professional before you travel.

Avoid Excessive Gatherings

It is also recommended to consider avoiding excessive gatherings if you have recently moved. It is difficult to control when people gather indoors and outdoors. Large gatherings of families and friends without adequate ventilation or physical barriers are a significant source of infection for both children and adults. Therefore, it is best to hold as small a group outdoors as possible. Additionally, it is important to consider having appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Consider buying facial coverings such as cloth masks, goggles, eye protectors, respirator masks, and handrails for everyone involved. Many establishments such as restaurants, bars, gyms, and clubs require that masks are worn at all times. During winter months, special precautions are still required. Indoor gym spaces were hard hit with the pandemic due to poor ventilation, lack of protective materials, and poorly maintained facilities. Several states have passed new laws requiring businesses to install thermostats in rooms at a 30 degree angle. Restaurants, nightclubs, gyms, swimming pools, theaters, and casinos have all made changes. Take a few minutes to evaluate your setting and consider improvements, perhaps by installing fans or ventilating your business with portable air purifiers that would allow for greater social distancing. Consider making adjustments to minimize contact with