As preparations are made for Pennsylvania businesses to slowly begin to reopen amid COVID-19, many begin to discuss what our “new normal” will look like. It is still advised that for safety reasons we remain socially distanced when possible and continue to follow personal hygiene recommendations. Read below for more suggestions to make the transition safe and smooth.
Wash Your Hands and Wear a Mask
As always, personal hygiene is essential in protecting yourself, as well as others from any illness. Remember to wash your hands often, cover when you cough or sneeze, sanitize your property frequently, and wear a mask when entering public areas. It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, but if that is not possible, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Even if you do not feel sick, you may still be at risk of transmitting the virus to another individual. Take every precaution when going out in public to protect yourself and those around you.
Seek Medical Attention if You Feel Unwell
In order to reduce the risk of further transmitting COVID-19 to others, it’s important to monitor your health and keep watch for any possible symptoms. According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and may include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. While most cases are mild and able to recover at home, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider and visit a hospital’s emergency department immediately.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, avoid contact with others until you test negative.
Continue to Limit Social Gatherings
Although you will soon be able to visit your favorite businesses again, you should still avoid hosting or attending large social gatherings. Continue to connect with family and friends virtually via video chats and phone calls.
When possible, stay away from large crowds and continue to follow personal hygiene guidelines. Many restaurants will continue to offer takeout and delivery services that you can utilize to practice safe social distancing.
Be Strategic About Public Outings
While previously closed businesses will slowly begin to reopen, there will still be certain restrictions and limited services. Restaurants may operate at a lower capacity and lines may still be spaced out to accomodate 6ft apart. If possible, only go into public businesses when necessary and be strategic about your outing.
Be mindful about less popular times at grocery stores or restaurants to avoid large crowds and limit your outing to only one individual in the household. If you know an older individual or one who is vulnerable, offer to run their errands for them or set up a delivery service so they can remain safe at home.
Monitor Government Updates
The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization are both continuing to provide important information and updates on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. There is a lot of contradicting information and unreliable sources reporting on the Coronavirus, but CDC and WHO are both reputable sources to go for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Our office will remain open and continue to implement safety protocols to protect our staff and patients. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment.