You Should Know

Protocols COVID-19

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Although COVID-19 vaccinations are being rolled out, we cannot yet let down our guard. The pandemic has greatly affected the way we live and still poses an unprecedented challenge to public health because of how easily the virus is transmitted.

More than ever before, it is important for us to maintain good hygiene and adhere strictly to safety protocols in and out of our homes to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and, by extension, our community. These protocols include keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, keeping our hands clean, avoiding touching our faces, coughing into a tissue or bent elbow, and social distancing.

We all have a fair idea of the key protocols by now. Even so, this guide provides detailed guidelines to tighten up your safety precautions until our community is fully vaccinated and no new strains of the virus are of concern.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SICK

People infected with COVID-19 may or may not show visible symptoms. Those that do, manifest their symptoms typically within five or six, but up to 14, days of infection. Here are some of the most common that carriers might experience.

MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS:

l Fever l Dry cough l Tiredness

LESS COMMON SYMPTOMS:

l Aches and pains l Sore throat l Diarrhoea l Conjunctivitis (pink eye) l Headache l Loss of taste or smell l A rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

SERIOUS SYMPTOMS:

l Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath l Chest pain or pressure l Loss of speech or movement

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

WHO IS AT INCREASED RISK?

Apart from older adults and people with underlying health conditions, some other people who need to take extra care include those who: l are from ethnic and racial minority groups. l are pregnant or breastfeeding. l have disabilities. l have substance abuse disorders. l have behavioral and developmental disorders. l live in rural areas. l are homeless. l are in detention and correctional centers. l are members of refugee communities. l live or work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities or group homes.

If you think you might have been exposed and notice symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever or cough, contact your health care provider immediately. If you do not have a regular doctor, call the public health department or local community health center for guidance. If you have emergency warning signs — like shortness of breath, constant pressure or pain in the chest, or a bluish tone to the face, nails, gums and area around the eyes — call for emergency medical attention. Meanwhile, follow these steps to take care of yourself and protect those around you.

l Don’t leave your home except to get medical care.

Most people experience mild illness and can recover at home. l Rest and stay hydrated while taking over-thecounter medicines like acetaminophen to relieve you. l Keep in contact with your doctor. If you have to visit the doctor, ensure to call ahead so that personnel can prepare to receive you. l Stay away from ridesharing or public transportation. l Monitor the symptoms and follow the guidance of your healthcare provider or health authorities on checking and reporting symptoms. l Wear a mask over your nose and mouth if you must be around people or pets from outside your household, and try to stay at least six feet away. l Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue in a lined trash can. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Otherwise, clean them with a 60% alcoholbased hand sanitizer. l Don’t share personal items such as eating utensils, bedding or towels with members of your household. l Clean and disinfect hightouch surfaces daily. l If you use a pulse oximeter to check your oxygen levels, be aware that most devices do not read as accurately with darker skin tones, sometimes providing read outs that are a few points higher than the true numbers. Taking note of your typical levels at different times of day when healthy will help you know if you’ve experienced a significant decline when ill.

IMPORTANT!

INFECTION AMONG FAMILY

Social Distance

Separate Room

Limit Contact With Pets

Don’t Leave House

Food Supply

Alert Health Department

Clean Any Surfaces Wash Laundry Thoroughly Don’t Share Dishes Use Separate Bathroom Use Mask

HOW TO PROTECT EACH OTHER WITHIN HOUSEHOLDS

Protecting your family will take proper planning and good decision-making. You must stay up-to-date with information from public health officials on COVID-19 activity in your area.

l Make a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact for information, healthcare services, resources and support. Also, create an emergency contact list of healthcare providers, loved ones, neighbors, drivers, employers, teachers and other community resources. Tell everyone in the household where the list is stored. l Prepare for possible illness by choosing a room that you can use to separate ill members of the household. l Take extra precautions for those at higher risk of severe illness, especially the elderly, those with serious underlying medical conditions and the unvaccinated. That can include common chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. l Protect yourselves and your pets by adhering to prescribed everyday safety protocols. l Report any suspected case to public health officials immediately, and take

the necessary precautions to avoid infecting others. l Remember that COVID-19 can spread even if the carrier doesn’t show symptoms. For added precaution, unvaccinated members of the household who regularly interact with people outside the home for work or other situations should wear a mask in the house when interacting closely with family or if they’re in the same room for more than 15 minutes.

Very importantly, attend to the overall mental and emotional health of loved ones in these challenging times. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can recommend you to local services: 800273-8255. Many employers also offer third-party assistance programs that include a limited number of free counseling sessions every year, as well as assistance with financial emergencies, grieving and other difficult circumstances. Ask your HR official for information. Community health centers, which are located in every U.S. county, provide physical and mental health care for people who are uninsured or underinsured.