Processes are evolving; what was once normal is now not. Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the way we structure our days revolves around how we can prevent the spread of the virus—limiting our exposure to others in order to flatten the curve and keep at-risk individuals safe. After months of isolation and research, however, strict guidelines are starting to lessen and states are slowly reopening. As social distancing measures ease, how do these changes translate into future interactions in shared public spaces? How can we continue to keep loved ones safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) once things return to “normal?”
Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways you can actively help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as social distancing measures ease:
Stay Informed
Months of research and science have granted us the knowledge we need to make calculated decisions about our actions during the pandemic, but medical professionals and scientists are still learning new information about coronavirus (COVID-19) every day. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as social distancing measures ease, one of the most important things you can do is continue to stay informed about the latest developments of the virus. Reliable sources include the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
World Health Organization (WHO), as well as
DispatchHealth—where we are committed to sharing up-to-date, objective, and reliable information to ensure the safety of our patients and medical teams during this stressful time.
Staying informed also includes understanding how coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads and its symptoms. Here’s a quick recap:
- The virus is thought to spread from person to person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks.
- Touching an infected surface and then proceeding to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth is another way this virus can be transmitted.
- A few studies have shown that the virus has the potential to spread from individuals who are not showing symptoms, emphasizing the importance of remaining cautious in public spaces.
- Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Difficult breathing, chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, and new loss of taste and smell are also symptoms.
Actions & Guidelines
The aforementioned resources and publications will help you stay up-to-date on ways you can stay cautious and protected as you re-enter society, as well as prevent the spread of the virus to other at-risk individuals in the midst of the pandemic. To streamline this flood of reliable information on ways you can prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve created a list of actions and guidelines that we strongly encourage you follow:
Wash Your Hands Often
How many times do you touch your face in a day? Drawing attention to this subconscious habit by asking yourself this question is a great place to start! As previously stated, touching your eyes, nose, and mouth puts you and others at risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19).
Washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds—especially after being in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing—is a great way to protect yourself and prevent the spread of the virus as social distancing eases.
Cover Your Nose & Mouth With a Cloth Face Covering
Wearing cloth face coverings, whether you are sick or not, is meant to protect others from exposure to the virus. So, choose to wear face masks in public for those at high risk of infections, elderly loved ones, and strangers.
Avoid Group Settings
As social distancing measures ease, the temptation to gather in group settings will be very apparent. And it’s an understandable assumption, as humans crave social contact. It’s important to remember, however, that COVID-19 is extremely contagious and more likely to spread in shared spaces. Avoiding close contact with others in crowded places and mass gatherings is an important way you can help prevent the spread of coronavirus, even as social distancing practices ease.
Disinfect & Sanitize Shared Objects and Spaces Often
In addition to washing your hands often and thoroughly, make sure that you are disinfecting any and all frequently touched objects. As social distancing guidelines ease and you are reintroduced into public spaces, keeping shared objects sanitized will help protect you and others from contact with a potentially infected surface. After touching a shared object—like a grocery cart—wash your hands thoroughly.
Continue to Monitor Your Health
At the end of the day, one of the best things that you can do to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is to monitor your own health. Look out for symptoms, maintain your distance from those who are displaying symptoms, and know when to seek medical attention. Telehealth and house calls are the new, improved way of receiving the medical attention you need without exposure to others who are sick or could possibly be infected.
DispatchHealth has quickly become one of the most trusted house call services for common and acute medical needs—including coronavirus (COVID-19) related symptoms. As understandings of the virus continue to evolve, so do our processes and practices—ensuring you receive the prompt medical attention that you need in an environment that is comfortable. To protect our patients and medical teams at this time, we have enforced strict sanitation and protection protocols, all of which can be found here. Requesting care is as easy as contacting us via phone, mobile app, or through our website. Within a few hours of request, a medical team will arrive at your place of need with sanitized gear and protective equipment (PPE).
To learn more about how DispatchHealth is responding to coronavirus (COVID-19), visit https://www.dispatchhealth.com/covid-19/.
Sources
DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies.
Sources referenced in this article:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/coronavirus-disease-answers?query=symptoms
- https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
- https://www.dispatchhealth.com/how-it-works/
- https://www.dispatchhealth.com/covid-19/
