Wash your hands Dr. Lawrence Andrade

In normal times as the calendar turns to August, the excitement of beginning a new school year is highly anticipated. Both teachers and students anxiously wait for the beginning of the school year: the excitement of beginning new adventures, the anticipation of what the school year will bring, the thrill of the upcoming fall sports seasons, and the excitement of seeing friends and colleagues once again. This August is unlike any we have seen in our lifetime and is marked by a heightened anxiety and dread of what this year will bring in this time of COVID19 (novel coronavirus). The excitement of beginning school is now replaced with many questions and worry about the future. The age of COVID is a time of uncertainty, but taking simple steps will help to overcome this virus and can help us all feel safer, and begin a “new normal” in our lives.

It is imperative, at this time to follow basic hygiene in order to protect not only ourselves but our loved ones. The simple act of washing ones’ hands is crucial to minimize the spread of COVID19. I recommend carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer at all times and remember to use this whenever you touch any surfaces or objects. It is also imperative to avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose after coming in contact with any surface that may be contaminated. It is important to wipe down surfaces, such as light switches, door handles, remote controls, cell phones that were touched by someone else, car door handles, gas pumps, ATM machines, and counter tops to name a few with Clorox wipes before touching these items/surfaces. If you cannot find Clorox wipes, use a solution of 4 teaspoons of bleach mixed in a quart of water, which will be effective in preventing COVID19, per CDC

guidelines. If in doubt, just wipe it down and use hand sanitizer, or if possible, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. When washing your hands, recite the alphabet from A to Z which takes an average of 20 seconds to say.

Many of us at this time are tired of the social isolation that has been brought about by COVID19. Trying to avoid friends and family members is very difficult at this time and is emotionally draining and can have psychological impacts on all of us. It is important to remember to still try to avoid large gatherings and to continue to practice social distancing as much as possible. Social distancing is more important and mandatory if you have any symptoms of COVID19. If you have a fever (temp over 99.0), feel feverish, have body aches, a sore throat, feel short of breath, just do not feel well, or have a new cough, it is IMPERATIVE you stay home and avoid family members for a minimum of 14 days. If you are in doubt, please remain on the side of caution and isolate yourself and avoid the possibility of spreading COVID19 to loved ones who may be more at risk for becoming sick. Also, if you have been tested for COVID19, stay home until your results are returned; being tested does not give you a free pass to go to the store and hang out with friends and family!

Finally, the most important way of helping to avoid COVID19 transmission and decrease the spread of this virus has become the most controversial and politicized subject. To wear a mask or not to wear a mask. As a medical doctor who has done my research, wearing a mask is the easiest and most effective way of fighting COVID19. Medical studies have proven that wearing a mask will decrease the transmission by up to 95% when worn consistently. I believe in mask wearing and am proud of the city of Gallup where almost everyone you see in public is wearing a mask. You do not have to wear a N-95 respirator mask; a simple face mask (fabric or surgical mask) helps to prevent COVID19 transmission. The many designs of masks and the fashion choices available have even made mask-wearing a fashion statement. I implore you to wear a mask to protect not only yourself but others as well. This is not a political issue but a simple act to allow us to return to a new normal sooner rather than later. In closing, washing your hands, wiping down surfaces, staying home if you feel ill, staying home after being tested for COVID19, avoiding large group gatherings, and wearing a mask will allow us to defeat COVID19. It is natural to be afraid at this time, but together we can defeat COVID19. If you are in doubt about where to find further information on the rapidly changing protocols for COVID19, do not turn to social media for advice or follow rumors, but ask your medical provider and, as I do, follow the latest CDC guidelines on www.cdc.gov. I pray you all stay safe, remain strong, and continue to remain vigilant. Together we will defeat COVID19! Lawrence Andrade, MD Diplomat American Board of Family and Community Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Owner, Family Medicine Associates

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Doug Mason

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