Five Ways to Keep the Focus on Health and Safety During Coronavirus
It’s been over three months since much of the United States issued stay-at-home orders to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. And though summer months and shifting guidelines have changed how communities approach the virus, it continues to infect people across the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Americans continue to take precautions to help keep you and those around you safe. As a reminder, here are five ways to keep practicing good health and safety measures.
- Wear a mask. If you are going to be in a public place or around other people, make sure to wear a mask or face covering. According to the CDC, wearing a mask—whether required or not—will help to protect you and slow the spread of community transmission. Remember to dispose of the mask after use or clean it properly if reusable.
- Get tested. If you are feeling sick or believe that you may have been exposed to coronavirus, get tested. Many states, cities and communities are offering local walk-up or drive-through testing sites and an increasing number of physician offices now carry the test. You can find more information about coronavirus testing, including links to state and local information, on the CDC website.
- Regularly clean “high-touch” areas. In addition to regular and thorough hand washing, sanitizing high-touch surfaces and objects can help limit the risk of infection. Keeping items such as phones and keys clean in addition to sanitizing faucets, doorknobs and light switches will help prevent spread of the virus.
- Limit trips outside the home. Avoiding crowded, interior locations will help to lower your risk of contracting coronavirus. One easy way to do this is to limit the amount of time spent inside stores such as supermarkets. Simple measures such as preparing a list ahead of time, checking out home delivery options, limiting shopping participants, sanitizing carts and wearing a mask can make your shopping experience safer for yourself and others. Also, checking with neighbors or older relatives to see if you can shop for them will help to keep those most vulnerable to the virus at home.
- Don’t neglect mental health. The coronavirus itself—and preventative measures like social distancing—can take a toll on mental health. Reaching out to family and friends helps combat loneliness and offers a good opportunity to talk through ways to continue to stay safe. Spending time outside, taking time for activities you enjoy and making exercise part of your routine are also great ways to take a mental break. You can also try mediation or yoga to help reduce stress. During these difficult, it’s important to focus on mental and emotional well-being too.
As long as community transmission is ongoing, continuing to take precautions will help protect you, your family and your community.
For information and guidelines specific to the coronavirus pandemic, visit cdc.gov.
This article is for general information and should not be relied on as medical advice. Check with a medical professional for medical advice.