With the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) increasing in many countries around the world, governments are taking actions to try to slow the spread of the disease. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are populations considered to be at high risk for severe complications, or even death, if they contract the virus.
This includes older adults (generally considered 65 or older) and people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and kidney disease. We must all do what we can to protect these vulnerable populations, and ourselves, from contracting and spreading the virus.
Social Distancing
The front-line tactic being recommended by medical experts and governments is social distancing. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, social distancing means, “increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.”
Social distancing includes things like not shaking hands, avoiding crowds, standing several feet from other people and, most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
Work from Home
Some governments have asked (or even mandated in some cases) that people work from home (whenever possible), closing schools and businesses, in order to slow the spread of the virus. People who are high risk or who may have been exposed to the virus may be asked to self-quarantine.
This involves staying at home without visitors, not sharing personal items with those living in the home, and staying at least six feet from people in the home. Isolation is for people who are confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus, and this could occur at home for mild cases, or in a healthcare facility for more severe cases.
The goal of isolation is to keep people infected with a contagious illness from spreading it to those who are not infected.
Contact Your Health Provider Immediately
If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly to seek medical advice.
