Covid-19: The Next Phase

A Publication of The Victor Valley Daily Press August 30, 2020

Recreation & Reopening How to stay safe and still have fun

A New Kind of Night Out

How diners can prepare to go out as restaurants reopen

Celebrating In Uncertain Times How to organize a community car parade

www.desertvalleymedicalgroup.com

4

6 How small businesses can prepare to reopen

8 A risk guide to help restaurants as they confront the challenge of reopening

10 How diners can prepare to go out as restaurants reopen 12 Safely shop for groceries while social distancing

Published and copyrighted 2020

16 Stay safe when visiting reopened parks

18 What to do if someone becomes sick at a public event

by the Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, Calif. 92392

22 How to practice social distancing during a pandemic

General Manager: Steve Nakutin

14 How to handle traveling as economies reopen

20 How to organize a community car parade

23 How to clean when faced with a shortage of supplies

24 Some challenges of going remote with your business 26 How families can confront remote learning 27 How COVID-19 is transmitted

28 Who is at elevated risk for COVID-19?

30 How to support local business during mandatory restrictions

Advertising Team: Cynthia Brudnak, Andrea Dunn, Danial Gardner, Megan Martinez, Lisa Woodhart.

6

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How small businesses can prepare to reopen

employees to get out of the house and do some work in the office while making social distancing in an office setting that much easier.

A

s spring slowly gave way to summer, communities everywhere gradually began to reopen. After months of adhering to stay-at-home restrictions implemented in response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, businesses were allowed to reopen if they followed certain guidelines.

Reopening a business after months of closures or limited operations is uncharted territory for many small business owners. In recognition of the anxiety some small business owners may feel about reopening, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers the following tips to ensure the transition back to business is safe and smooth.

• Start before opening your doors. Though economies in many parts of the globe are reopening, the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention is still recommending that people adhere to social distancing guidelines when leaving their homes. Business owners can help consumers follow those rules by preparing their offices and establishments for life in the age of social distancing.

The CDC recommends that people maintain distances of at least six feet between one another. Business owners can mark every six feet in their stores near checkout lines and cash registers to make it easier for customers to shop and stay socially distant at the same time. Offices preparing to welcome employees back can create more distance between work stations.

• Get creative with scheduling. Offices can establish days when certain workers come into the office while others work remotely and vice versa. This allows

• Make a plan to monitor employees’ health. The health of employees is a big concern for small business owners on the cusp of reopening their facilities to consumers and workers. The CDC advises business owners to create employee wellness plans to monitor the health of their employees. CDC recommendations include: - provide personal protective equipment (PPE) or face coverings for all employees - institute daily temperature checks to enter a workplace - encourage employees to selfreport any symptoms via daily symptom surveys • Implement safety measures that govern the handling of physical items. Reopening is a team effort that requires cooperation between consumers and businesses.

Each group can do their part by recognizing the need to

change how physical items are handled. Cashless payments at registers can minimize the risk of virus transmission. However, businesses must recognize that some consumers may not have access to credit or debit cards, and it may be necessary to develop a contingency plan to accommodate such customers.

• Communicate plans clearly. The CDC notes the importance of clearly communicating a strategy to customers and employees so each understands their role in mitigating COVID-related risks. Reiterate messages instore and through transactional touchpoints and be ready to adapt the strategy as the situation changes.

Reopening is a tall task for small business owners. But it’s a challenge they can confront together with their staffs and customers working in concert.

8

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

A risk guide to help restaurants as they confront the challenge of reopening

R

estaurants have struggled in the wake of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

As communities prepare to reopen, customers cannot wait for their favorite restaurants to reopen, and restaurant owners are looking forward to welcoming guests back to their establishments. As much as everyone is looking forward to restaurants reopening on a wide scale, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that the more an individual interacts with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of spreading COVID-19 becomes. Managing that reality with their desire to reopen their businesses can be challenging for restaurant owners. To help restaurant owners confront that challenge, the CDC offers the following guide to help the proprietors of these vital businesses gauge the safest way to reopen their facilities to hungry customers.

Lowest Risk: Food service limited to drive-through, delivery, takeout, and curbside pick up.

More Risk: Drive-through, delivery, takeout, and curbside pick up emphasized.

On-site dining limited to outdoor seating. Seating capacity reduced to allow tables to be spaced at least six feet apart.

More information about reopening in the face of the pandemic is available at www.cdc.gov.

Even More Risk: On-site dining with both indoor and outdoor seating. Seating capacity reduced to allow tables to be spaced at least six feet apart.

Highest Risk:

On-site dining with both indoor and outdoor seating. Seating capacity not reduced and tables not spaced at least six feet apart.

10

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How diners can prepare to go out as restaurants reopen virus is easily spread among groups of people in enclosed spaces. By limiting dinner parties to no more than the number of people in their households, consumers can help restaurants safely reopen.

M

any communities across the globe have begun to gradually reopen. That’s good news for the millions of small businesses that have struggled as the world responded with extreme caution to prevent the potentially deadly COVID-19 virus from spreading.

Estimates from the National Restaurant Association indicate that restaurant sales in the United States decreased by tens of billions of dollars in March and April, while forecasts predicted those numbers would be in the hundreds of billions by the end of 2020. In recognition of the vital roles restaurants play in building and fostering strong communities, consumers are looking forward to returning to their favorite establishments as economies slowly reopen.

Diners can do their part to make reopening efforts successful and sustainable by staying home if they are

experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Venturing out while symptomatic puts everyone, including restaurant workers and fellow diners, at risk, so it’s imperative that people pay attention to their bodies and avoid going out if they are experiencing even mild symptoms.

In addition to staying home if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, diners can take these steps to work in partnership with local restaurants as these vital components of the community begin to reopen.

• Dine out in small groups.

Phase 1 reopening guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended gatherings be limited to no more than 10 people. But when dining out, consumers should keep their groups even smaller.

An assortment of studies from the CDC have found that the

• Wear masks. Wearing a mask to a restaurant may seem odd, but by keeping their mask on until their food arrives, diners can help prevent the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization notes that it’s believed the virus can spread through small respiratory droplets produced while talking or laughing. So diners can keep themselves and fellow customers and restaurant workers safe by wearing their masks until their food arrives.

• Remain patient. Life in the era of social distancing requires significant adjustments, and restaurants reopening will be adjusting

right along with everyone else.

Afford restaurant staff ample patience and go along with any protocols restaurant owners put in place. All measures are aimed at keeping customers and staff safe while getting people who have been out of work for months back on the job. Each of those goals is worth the patience it may take to help restaurants achieve them.

• Order takeout. If you’re uncomfortable visiting a local restaurant in person or frustrated by potentially long wait times for a table, order takeout instead. Restaurants need the business after a very rough stretch, and consumers can benefit greatly from a night off from cooking.

Local restaurants are reopening in communities across the globe. Supporting these businesses can be vital to local economies and help millions of people return to work.

12

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

Safely shop for groceries while social distancing washing hands before and after shopping is a simple safety measure that prevents the spread of germs and potentially harmful viruses like COVID-19.

A

s recently as a few months ago, grocery shopping was an uneventful chore that few people were likely to remember after returning home. But in the wake of efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, grocery shopping changed in ways that few people will ever forget.

Social distancing guidelines and recommendations urged consumers to stay in their homes as much as possible, but grocery shopping requires people to spend time outside their homes. A few simple strategies can help shoppers stay safe as they shop for groceries.

• Wear a mask. Safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are evolving as scientists learn more about COVID-19. One of the more significant changes the CDC

made to its initial guidelines was to recommend people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. As communities begin to reopen, certain restrictions may be relaxed, but the CDC continues to advise people to wear masks while out in public, including when shopping for groceries.

The CDC notes that wearing masks may slow the spread of the virus by preventing people who have it but are asymptomatic from transmitting it to others.

still times of day when fewer customers will likely be in the store. Early mornings may be designated for shoppers in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. However, many stores remain less crowded in the mornings than they are during the rest of the day.

Avoid shopping on weekends if you want to steer clear of crowds, as these are the only times when people who are still working can find time to shop.

Weekday mornings or late afternoons may be ideal times to shop for shoppers who want to avoid crowds.

• Shop during off-peak hours. Traditionally “offpeak” hours may no longer apply at many grocery stores, the majority of which have changed their store hours so staff can thoroughly clean and disinfect stores each night. But even if stores are not open as late as they used to be, there’s

• Wash hands before and after going to the store. The CDC continues to tout the importance of washing hands as a means to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Scientists are still unsure about how easily the virus can spread from contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, but

• Avoid touching your face. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology note that respiratory infections can be caused by an assortment of bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing germs.

Scientists believe COVID-19 is spread through the respiratory droplets of infected persons.

These droplets are essentially invisible, but when people come into contact with them and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth, viruses can spread. So people should avoid touching their face with potentially dirty hands.

Grocery shopping has changed as the world reacts to the COVID-19 virus. As communities begin to reopen, it’s important that people remain diligent when shopping for groceries, taking every step necessary to protect themselves and others from contracting this potentially deadly virus.

FIGHT COVID. GET TESTED. It’s Easy, it’s Painless and it’s Free

Many people infected with COVID-19 show no symptoms.

You may feel fine, but could still infect others.

To learn more, and to book an appointment at a testing site near you, visit sbcovid19.com.

#SBCountyTogether Serving you during COVID-19

COVID–19 Response

sbcovid19.com | 909.387.3911

14

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How to handle traveling as economies reopen people adhere to local travel restrictions and take steps to anticipate travel needs before departing so they can minimize the chances that they are exposed to the virus.

• Bring enough medicine to last you for the entire trip. If need be, call your physician and request refills to serve as a safety net in case medication is lost during your travels.

Communities that have reopened or are on the cusp of reopening are feeling a complicated mix of emotions.

While most people are no doubt happy to get out of the house, whether it’s to return to work or visit a favorite restaurant in person, those same people are probably somewhat hesitant to stray too far from home. Such feelings have made some wonder if it’s safe to travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that travel increases a person’s chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. But not all travel is the same, and the CDC notes there are different levels of risk associated with different types of travel.

• Air travel: Time spent in security lines and airport terminals brings travelers in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. While airplane cabins are filtered, which makes it difficult for viruses and other germs to spread through the air, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights. That difficulty can increase the chances of airline passengers spreading COVID-19 to each other.

• Bus/train travel: Social distancing on buses and trains also is difficult, increasing the likelihood that COVID-19 will spread among passengers.

• Car travel: Short car trips can be safe, but long car trips involve pulling over for gas, food and restroom breaks.

That puts drivers and their traveling companions at risk of exposure to COVID-19 from other travelers or contaminated surfaces.

• RV travel: Recreational vehicles, or RVs, are typically equipped with restrooms and kitchenettes, which can cut down on the need to make potentially risky pitstops. But RVs also tend to be parked in overnight RV parks so travelers can sleep. Such places may make travelers vulnerable to COVID-19.

Much is still unknown about COVID-19. In fact, many people do not even know if they have had the virus or not. Scientists suspect that millions of people have been exposed to the virus but produced no symptoms.

Because of that uncertainty, many people are willing to travel as economies reopen. The CDC recommends that such

• Pack enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) and keep it within reach at all times during your trip.

• Bring cloth face coverings to wear in public places. The CDC advises such coverings be routinely washed, so bring enough clean coverings to last the trip if you will not have access to a washer and dryer.

• Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food in case restaurants and stores are closed.

Travel remains risky, even as economies reopen. People who intend to travel can take certain precautions to make their trips as safe as possible.

Did You Know?

A

s various parts of the world begin to slowly reopen, people looking forward to traveling or vacationing should know that many travel insurance policies do not provide coverage for travelers who decide to cancel their plans due to concerns about a pandemic.

According to AARP, many insurance companies explicitly state in travel insurance policies that pandemics are excluded as reasons for canceling a trip. Travel insurance providers note that exclusion exists because pandemics are extremely unpredictable, which makes it difficult to properly assess the risk of one happening when determining the cost of a policy.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, some travel insurance providers expressed a willingness to be flexible, with some even offering refunds to customers who became ill with the virus prior to their trips. However, such flexibility is not uniform, and travelers, such as those who have not tested positive for the virus, may need to find alternative solutions if they do not want to travel but have already booked vacations. Travel agents or others who helped book travel reservations may be willing to serve as intermediaries between travelers and hotels or rental property owners to increase the chances that vacationers are not stuck paying for vacations they have no intention of taking.

16

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

Stay safe when visiting reopened parks crowded and, as a result, they can be challenging to keep clean. In addition, young children likely won’t remember to avoid touching their faces, noses, eyes, or mouths while playing, which makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

DO exercise caution in swimming pools. The CDC

notes that the chlorine and bromine in pools should kill COVID-19, but warns that it’s still imperative to practice social distancing when swimming in public pools.

Clean hands thoroughly before entering and after exiting the pool, and make sure each swimmer takes a shower immediately upon arriving home.

P

hysical activity is good for both the body and mind.

As the world confronted the fallout of the COVID19 outbreak, many people struggled to cope with the stress sparked by stay-at-home measures, school closures and job loss. Perhaps that’s why the reopening of parks was met with such joy, as people now had access to the great outdoors at a point when that access could be incredibly beneficial.

Visiting reopened parks while social distancing is not the same as it’s been in the past, and nature enthusiasts may want to consider these dos and don’ts, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to ensure their visits are safe and enjoyable.

DO stay close to home.

The CDC warns that traveling long distances to visit a

DON’T participate in organized sports. The

park may contribute to the spread of COVID-19. That’s because long trips require stops along the way, which exposes travelers to potentially contaminated surfaces.

DON’T visit parks if you’re sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19.

Whether you’re sick with COVID-19 or simply not feeling well, stay home. Visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov) for a list of COVID-19 symptoms if you suspect you have the virus or have had it in the last 14 days.

DO expect limitations on visitors. While parks have

reopened, many areas have established restrictions on the number of people allowed in the park at a given time. As a result, some visitors have been turned away or asked to wait in a queue until other

visitors leave. Preparing for this outcome in advance can make it less frustrating to deal with.

DON’T use playgrounds.

Children may be anxious to ride on swings or climb all over jungle gyms, but the CDC continues to advise against using playgrounds.

Playgrounds tend to be

CDC is still advising people to avoid organized sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, and football. These sports typically require participation of people who do not live in the same households, increasing the chances of spreading the COVID-19 virus.

Diligence and caution can help everyone safely enjoy reopened parks.

ADVERTORIAL

17

1) With COVID-19, is it safe to send our kids back to school?

- No. For me as a medical provider to answer this appropriately, I would need to know that schools are taking the proper measures in mitigating COVID19. For your child to be as safe as possible, it is best that they are socially distanced while in the classroom and that they are wearing a face covering and practicing frequent hand hygiene.

In the best of situations, this is going to be difficult for the teacher to manage in the younger age groups. Teachers need support of the parents to properly prepare their child for what is expected while in the classroom.

2) Is COVID-19 like the flu?

If not, how does it differ from the flu?

- The flu and coronavirus belong to different virus families; however, they both cause contagious respiratory illnesses. We currently have a vaccine for the flu but have still not developed one for COVID-19. At this point, flu is seasonal. It is too early to determine if coronavirus has a seasonal preference.

3) How important is it to wear face coverings?

- It is very important to wear the proper face covering to minimize the spread from one person to another, especially when other socially distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

4) How has COVID-19 affected hospitals in the High Desert?

- Unlike the east coast and other major metropolitan areas, the High Desert experienced a surge in positive COVID19 patients requiring hospitalization toward the middle of June and continuing to date. This has stressed the healthcare system here in the High Desert, especially the critical care units where many of these patients have required mechanical ventilation. This has made it imperative that the High Desert healthcare system collaborate closely with the community to get through these unprecedented times — especially with the unfortunate restrictions in the visitation of loved ones who are hospitalized.

5) How soon will we have an effective vaccine for COVID-19?

- Most often it takes many years to develop a vaccine. However, there are numerous resources across the globe urgently attempting to develop an

effective vaccine. The goal for a safe and effective vaccine would induce an antibody response in the body that lasts several months if not a year or a lifetime while at the same time having minimal negative side effects.

9) Which individual are most affected by COVID-19 in the High Desert?

- Those who are most affected are men and those suffering from diabetes mellitus, asthma, and obesity.

6) Can you talk a little about community immunity?

- COVID-19 researchers have suggested that approximately 70 percent of the population would need to be infected or vaccinated before reaching the point of community immunity. Once community immunity is achieved, the virus can no longer spread widely among the people.

7) I hear a lot about social distancing, handwashing and face coverings. Are these effective?

- Absolutely. These are the three simplest and most effective ways to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

8) Am I safe to fly in a plane?

- Yes, as long as you are following the guidelines of wearing a face covering, hand washing and social distancing.

Airplane air is usually circulated using the same filters used in an ICU, which helps filter any airborne viruses.

Authored by J. Luis Noronha, MD Chief of Staff I Desert Valley Hospital For additional information or to make an appointment with a Desert Valley Doctor, call 760-241-8000.

www.desertvalleymedicalgroup.com | 760-241-8000

18

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

What to do if someone becomes sick at a public event

A

s economies reopen, scaled-down events are returning to professional and social calendars. Organizers may be concerned about how to respond should a staff member or attendee develop symptoms of COVID-19 while at an event. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges organizers to follow certain protocols in such instances. First and foremost, organizers should immediately separate staff or attendees

who become sick until they can go home. If a sick person is too ill to get himself or herself home, contact local authorities, who may be able to arrange for the sick person to be transported home via ambulance. People who are or may be exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should avoid public transportation, including buses, trains, rideshares, and taxis. Once the sick person has been separated, provide the person with a clean, disposable facemask. If none

is available, the CDC advises providing them with a tissue or some other way to cover their coughs and sneezes. Once the person has been separated and gone home, organizers should contact their local public health officials to inform them about the possibility of a person with COVID-19 at their event. The CDC notes that such officials can then help organizers learn how to consult their staff and attendees about possible exposure to the virus.

Organizers also may want

to contact their local public health officials in advance of their events to determine how they should proceed with the event should someone exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 while in attendance. Protocols may vary depending on the type and size of the event, and public health officials can help determine the appropriate response.

20

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How to organize a community car parade

C

elebrations took a backseat as the world responded to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Stayat-home measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus forced religious organizations to close their facilities while graduation season came and went with many communities unable to honor the hardworking students who earned their diplomas and degrees. But while large scale celebrations may not have taken place, communities still had various reasons to celebrate, and many found creative ways to do so.

Car parades are one way communities worked around social distancing so residents could celebrate together without getting sick. Car parades can be relatively simple to plan, but it’s still important that organizers

take certain steps to make sure everyone stays safe and adheres to local guidelines.

parade and that no objects are passed between cars while the parade is taking place.

• Contact local government officials. City councils and police departments can be great resources for car parade organizers. Speak with officials prior to spreading the word about the parade to confirm that such gatherings are allowed and if there are any restrictions that participants must follow. Incorporate any restrictions into the planning of the event.

• Keep disturbances to a minimum. Car parades can be boisterous, but it’s important that participants remember that some of their neighbors may be recovering from the COVID-19 virus. As a result, try to keep disturbances like honking or blaring music to a minimum when driving through residential areas. If possible, limit parade routes to commercial districts so no one in recovery is disturbed during the parade.

• Let participants know they must stay in their vehicles.

The point of a car parade is to celebrate as a community without increasing anyone’s risk of getting or spreading the COVID-19 virus. As a result, it’s imperative that all participants remain in their vehicles for the duration of the

• Encourage participants to dress up their vehicles. The fun can start before the parade by encouraging participants to write messages of support on their rear passenger windows where drivers’ vision won’t be compromised. Messages of

support also can be attached to the tops of vehicles and participants can play upbeat music to lift their own spirits and the spirits of others, including spectators.

• Encourage spectators to keep their distance. Parades would not be the same without spectators, but it’s important that spectators avoid gathering during the parade. Doing so can compromise social distancing efforts. Encourage all spectators to wear masks and stay at least six feet apart during the festivities.

Community car parades can be great ways to gather with friends and neighbors while adhering to social distancing measures. Organizers must take several factors into consideration when planning such events.

ADVERTORIAL

SURGERY DURING COVID H

ave you been to the doctor since the pandemic started?

Many of us haven’t. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the way doctors have been performing surgeries the past few months.

Most non-emergency, routine surgeries were postponed out of safety for patients and medical professionals to protect against the spread of the virus. From mid-March through early May, routine surgeries were too risky to perform, although exceptions were made for emergency situations. But what about now, when businesses are beginning to reopen?

If you’re wondering what’s happening behind the doors of your doctor’s office, here’s what you need to know.

Understandably, most patients may have hesitations about coming into the doctor’s office for a visit, considering possible exposure to others.

Rest assured, patient safety always comes first. Most doctors’ offices are taking many safety precautions to protect against the virus so that you can get the care you need, whether it’s a regular check-up or an appointment before or after surgery. The same goes for the operating room.

At my office, we screen every patient before their scheduled appointment. Our office calls our patients in advance to be sure they aren’t experiencing any

21

Dr. Mitesh Patel

unusual symptoms before coming in for their visit. We also remind patients to bring a mask and wear it throughout the office.

In our waiting room, all chairs are spaced six feet apart.

Unfortunately, family members are not allowed to come back into the exam room, but ultimately, it’s in the best interest of all, especially since many examination rooms are limited in space. We’re working hard to ensure safety for our patients.

When you arrive at the office, your temperature is checked to be sure you don’t have a fever, one of the most common warning signs

of COVID-19. For all patients who come in for a pre-operative visit, we give everyone a swab test for COVID to make sure you are not currently positive before your scheduled surgery. Waiting rooms at the hospital have also been limited, with many doctors requesting that families wait in the car while their loved one undergoes surgery. Your doctor will call you with an update while the procedure is happening and will call again when it’s time to pick up your loved one after surgery.

Overall, it’s generally safe to come into the doctor’s office for a

visit, even during the pandemic, as long as everyone abides by the regulations published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With extra precautions in place, it’s important to still receive the care you need for existing conditions so that your health does not worsen over time. If you are worried about your health or having unusual symptoms, be sure to seek out help rather than holding off, especially in an emergency situation. Remember, your health is a number one priority.

Even though many businesses are reopening at this time, it’s important to continue to follow safe behaviors. Understandably, we all want life to go back to normal, but the precautions you take may save your own life or someone else’s. Continue wearing a mask when outside your home and regularly wash your hands carefully. It’s still important to stay distant and limit as much unnecessary travel and exposure to others as possible. If we work together, we can bring an end to the pandemic sooner, rather than later.

For more information about neurological disorders or to make an appointment with Dr. Mitesh Patel, visit www.

ChoiceMG.com or call his office at (760) 242-7777, Ext. 224.

22

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How to practice social distancing during a pandemic • Opt out of group events.

Steer clear of events, whether meetings, sports games, conferences, and other gatherings where large amounts of people congregate together.

A

s COVID-19 continued to spread across the world, it quickly became evident that the public would have to take drastic measures to slow the transmission.

In addition to practicing generalized sanitation and good hygiene, people in some of the hardest-hit clusters were advised to take additional, more aggressive measures.

Quarantines and travel restrictions were implemented, and the term “social distancing” became a buzzword.

Social distancing involves people keeping a physical distance from each other during disease outbreaks in order to slow transmission rates. Social distancing also is employed to lessen the impact of the disease on the medical care system, which quickly can become overwhelmed with a high number of cases presenting in a short period of time. In best-case scenarios, social distancing also may enable a few people to avoid infection until a vaccine is available.

So how can people socially distance themselves? Here are some of the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other leading health groups.

• Stick to non-contact greetings. Avoid hugs, kisses and handshakes. Substitute a smile, a wave or a bumping of elbows, instead.

• Practice remote learning.

Students who attend large schools, such as high schools, universities and colleges, can continue their studies via remote learning and virtual classes instead of gathering in classrooms.

• Work from home. Many companies are now equipped to allow employees to work from home all the time or a portion of the time.

Businesses can encourage employees to stay home and utilize the internet to get their work done.

• Stagger commute times.

Commuters in urban areas can consider staggering work hours so that they help curb crowds on public transportation.

• Alter shopping schedules.

Try to visit stores in the early morning or late at night when they are less likely to be crowded.

• Make changes in worship practices. Celebrants may have to make modifications to the way they worship.

The Catholic Diocese of Trenton, NJ, recently advised all diocesan churches to halt the distribution of the most precious blood (wine) from communal chalices;

What to do in the wake of canceled events

E

vents have been canceled or postponed across the globe in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19.

This has caused a disruption to not only commercial events like concerts and sporting events, but personal gatherings as well. Any party with a large number of potential guests has to be reconsidered. This includes graduation parties, weddings and birthdays. People facing the cancellation of such events can follow these guidelines.

• Speak to vendors to find out if cancellations can occur with no penalties. Many hotels and other travel services are waiving fees for cancellations, or allowing bookings to be rescheduled at no additional cost.

• Try to think of some alternative dates for events like weddings and graduation parties as soon as possible. There is no way to accurately predict the path that COVID-19 will take, nor put a firm date regular life can resume, but discussing alternative dates with vendors with whom you’re already under contract may put you at the top of the list when gatherings are once again allowed.

• Reach out to guests to explain that your plans are fluid. Expect that a good portion of guests, even those who already committed to attend, may not be able to make rescheduled events. Speak with vendors about fluctuating headcounts in the wake of COVID-19.

• Be patient and keep an open minded about events.

These are unprecedented times and many people are learning as they go. Rescheduling events when the threat has subsided may cause a bottleneck effect with service providers. Flexibility and patience can help make reschedule less stressful.

encouraged clergy and eucharistic ministers to sanitize their hands before distributing the eucharist; and parishioners to avoid contact during the sign of peace.

Common sense is key to stall disease transmission,

and social distancing can be an important public health measure.

23

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How to clean when faced with a shortage of supplies

I

n light of concerns about COVID-19, various health organizations have issued specific instructions on how to maintain personal safety and cleanliness. These recommendations involve using common household products to sanitize homes, offices and public spaces. As people take such precautions, many are stocking up on extra essentials — resulting in shortages.

Everything from hand sanitizers to paper towels may be hard to find on grocery store shelves, leaving some to wonder what

they can do to remain safe without sanitizers?

The Environmental Protection Agency states that coronaviruses are some of the easiest types of viruses to kill because they have an envelope around them that enables them to merge with other cells and infect them. If that protective coating can be disrupted, the virus can’t do its job.

Hot water and soap The reason hand-washing is at the top of the list of sanitizing methods is because it is so

effective at washing away viruses and bacteria. Friction from scrubbing with soap and water can help break the protective envelope, states the EPA. Soap and water can clean all surfaces in a home, especially when applying a little extra elbow grease.

Hydrogen peroxide As people clear isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) off the shelves, do not discount hydrogen peroxide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says household

hydrogen peroxide at 3 percent concentration can deactivate rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, within six to eight minutes of contact. Coronavirus is easier to destroy than rhinovirus, so hydrogen peroxide may be effective at combatting that virus as well.

24

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

Some challenges of going remote with your business can drive greater efficiency and promote the sense of community among staff that many companies are proud to have fostered.

T

he number of professionals working remotely has risen dramatically over the last decade-plus. According to an analysis from Flexjobs and Global Workplace Analytics, there was a 159 percent increase in remote between 2005 and 2017.

That shift toward remote work might have been silent and gradual for much of the 21st century, but the volume was ramped up during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the United States in March 2020.

In an effort to slow the spread of the potentially dangerous virus, government officials urged businesses to allow their employees to work remotely,

and just like that the number of remote workers skyrocketed.

The internet has made it possible for businesses in various industries to go remote, but such a transition does have some unique challenges.

• Software: Hasty transitions to remote work, like those forced by the COVID-19 outbreak, created a crisis of sorts for companies that previously had not had many remote employees. Employees were suddenly asked to work on home computers that may or may not have had all the necessary applications for them to perform the daily tasks associated with their jobs.

Companies that must transition to being remote, whether

that transition is temporary or permanent, must recognize that remote employees will need access to software necessary to do their jobs.

Workers who only have old computers at home may need to be provided with computers that are compatible with the versions of software used in the office.

• Communication: Communication issues between remote workers can be an easy fix. Even businesses that are facing sudden and forced transitions to remote workplaces can utilize instant messaging apps like Slack to facilitate immediate communication between employees. This

• Customer service: Ensuring customers can seamlessly connect with your business, and your customer service staff in particular, should be a priority when switching to a remote work setting. A 2014 study published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics even found that remote working allowed customer service staff to get through 13 percent more calls each day. Remote customer service employees won’t have the direct access to management and fellow team members that they had when working on-site, so business owners can employ central management platforms that make it easy to access information regarding new products and services and previous interactions with and responses to customers. That access can help solve issues while reducing the likelihood of substantial lag time as customer service employees wait to hear from coworkers and managers about how to respond to certain issues.

Many businesses were thrown into the proverbial deep end when forced to go remote due to the COVID19 outbreak. Challenges present themselves during such transitions, but these challenges can be overcome with a handful of effective strategies.

ADVERTORIAL

PRE-OP CLEARANCE H

ave you ever been sent to a cardiologist before undergoing surgery? Don’t worry -- this is not unusual, in fact, all patients scheduled for surgery need a risk assessment in advance. It’s very common for a patient to see a cardiologist before surgery to address any preexisting conditions and ensure each patient has a safe experience before, during, and after surgery.

As a patient, understandably, you’re already nervous about having surgery. Being told you need to see a cardiologist may add an extra layer of concern.

However, it’s completely normal.

The first question you cardiologist will take into account is the type of surgery you’ll be having and why. Longer surgeries tend to involve more risk because of the increased length of time under anesthesia.

You may not have a history of cardiovascular disease, but it is still very important to see a cardiologist upon your doctor’s request. Your cardiologist will first ask about your health history, specifically any history of hypertension, high cholesterol, previous heart attack or stroke.

Your doctor will also ask about your lifestyle, including tobacco usage and your daily level of physical activity.

In order to check your heart health, your doctor will order an ECG to get a “snapshot” of your heart. This test will tell your doctor about your heart

25

Dr. Chirag Mehta

rate and rhythm, which will help diagnose any heart conditions in some patients in advance of surgery. An ECG can also identify previous heart events a patient may have had, like a prior heart attack. Sometimes, your doctor will also order an echocardiogram or nuclear stress test to obtain additional information regarding a patient’s heart to know before safely undergoing anesthesia

during surgey.

These additional tests will provide your cardiologist with information to improve the outcome of your surgery. This information will determine the amount of intravenous fluid given, the type of anesthesia provided, and the medications to use before and after surgery. This can also indicate which medications you may be currently using that

should be paused before surgery.

At times, a cardiologist may identify a serious problem that the patient was unaware of beforehand. In that situation, the patient will need to undergo heart surgery prior to the original surgery they were scheduled for. Although unexpected, this outcome is the most beneficial to your health overall, avoiding potential risks during surgery all together. The overall goal is to prevent an avoidable complication from occurring in the first place, which is why it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s orders and see a cardiologist upon request.

To recap, prior to a future surgery, don’t be surprised if your doctor asks you to see a cardiologist beforehand.

Surgery can be a nerve-wracking experience for patients, but if you prepare yourself in advance and follow your doctor’s orders, you will be properly prepared for a safe and uncomplicated surgery.

Additionally, during the current pandemic, your doctor will order special precautions to keep you and others safe from COVID-19.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions before coming in for your pre-operative office visit.

For more information about pre-operative visits or to make an appointment with Dr. Chirag Mehta, visit www.

ChoiceMG.com or call his office at (760) 338-0911.

26

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How families can confront remote learning

A

mid concerns of coronavirus clusters and efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, and based on social distancing recommendations from medical professionals, schools across the country began to close their doors and adopt a remote learning model in March 2020. One of the largest communities affected was New York City, which closed schools across the five boroughs. The New York City school system is vast, with 1,800 schools servicing more than one million students.

School administrators and educators quickly scrambled to find a workaround to

meet children’s educational needs. Remote learning has been a part of many school curriculums for some time.

While remote learning had predominantly been reserved for higher learning institutions, in the wake of the COVID19 outbreak, it became a necessity for grades K through 12 as well. Teachers have had to design curriculums and assignments virtually on the fly in an attempt to minimize disruptions that could adversely affect students.

Remote learning requires the cooperation of school staff and also parents and guardians.

Patience is necessary, and

parents and educators may need to completely transform their daily schedules. The following tips can be an asset as students continue to navigate remote learning.

• Record class sessions.

Teachers can consider recording or “going live” with class instruction so that students can view the video and still have access to their teachers. This helps parents who may be unfamiliar with explaining the curriculum.

• Utilize chat features.

Remote education software programs likely have a chat or “hangout” feature, which enables classrooms to keep in touch and ask questions in real time.

• Keep a schedule. It’s easy to begin to sleep late and fall out of routine when not required to go to a school building. Families should make scheduling a priority, which can help students stay on top of lessons and complete their assignments on time.

• Ask questions. Everyone is learning as they go, and further clarification may be needed.

Students should email or chat with teachers if they don’t understand an assignment or are unsure about instructions.

Teachers may be able to clearly model a math problem or explain a concept via video chat for students who need help.

• Explore educational options. Many companies are offering free educational services while kids are home from school. Scholastic.com is offering online courses, Nat Geo for Kids, Fun Brain, PBS Kids, and Highlight Kids are other places to turn to for activities.

Remote learning has become the new norm as the world continues to navigate COVID19 in an effort to keep the public safe.

27

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How COVID-19 is transmitted

C

OVID-19, the novel coronavirus that was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in mid-March 2020, has claimed thousands of lives across the globe. Though the WHO insisted during a press briefing declaring COVID-19 a pandemic that the virus could be suppressed and controlled, Director-General of the WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described what he felt were “alarming levels of inaction” in regard to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Understanding COVID-19, including the threat it poses

person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those who are nearby or potentially be inhaled into the lungs.

The CDC notes that the virus is contagious, and that people might be most contagious when they are at their sickest.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent Person-to-person pain or pressure in the chest, Researchers who have studied new confusion or inability to the virus feel that it is spread arouse, and bluish lips or face. mainly from person-to-person.

Additional symptoms may be People who are within six feet associated with COVID-19 as of one another may spread the virus through respiratory droplets researchers learn more about the virus, and people who produced when an infected

and how it’s transmitted, is of the utmost importance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is still much to learn about COVID19, including how it spreads.

However, the CDC notes the following are some ways that researchers, as of March 2020, feel that the virus is transmitted.

experience anything unusual should discuss their condition with a physician immediately.

Researchers also suspect that (continued on page 28)

28

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

Who is at elevated risk for COVID-19?

C

OVID-19 continues to dominate headlines across the globe. This novel coronavirus first made headlines in late 2019 after an outbreak in Wuhan, the sprawling capital city in China’s Hubei province. The virus has since spread beyond China’s borders, leading to school closures and changes in public life, such as the shutting down of professional sports leagues, that many might never have thought they would see in their lifetimes.

Despite the relative infancy of COVID-19, doctors have learned much about it, including who might be most at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early information out of China revealed that some groups are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 than others. Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are the chronic medical conditions that appear to make people

especially vulnerable to sickness from COVID-19.

How people in at-risk groups can reduce their risk of getting sick It’s important that elderly people and people with chronic medical conditions take their risk for getting sick from COVID-19 seriously, as the virus had already contributed to thousands of deaths by early March 2020. The CDC notes that it is especially important that people at elevated risk take actions to reduce their risk of getting sick with the disease.

The following strategies can be part of a proactive approach that may help at-risk people lower their risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

• Stock up on health supplies. Contact your physician and arrange to obtain extra necessary medications so you do not have to leave your home should an outbreak occur in your area.

If that’s not plausible, the CDC recommends signing up for mail-order medications.

Stock up on over-the-counter

medications and medical supplies, including everyday items like tissues, so you don’t have to leave the house if an outbreak occurs.

• Stock up on groceries.

Make sure you have enough groceries on hand so you can stay at home if restrictions on leaving home are put in place during an outbreak.

• Embrace the basics. Basic strategies like avoiding people who are sick; washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your

nose, coughing, sneezing or spending time in public; avoiding touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.; and avoiding crowds can help to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China in lateDecember 2019, doctors have learned that certain people are especially vulnerable to getting sick from the virus. Such people can take certain steps that may reduce their risk of getting sick. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov.

How COVID-19 is transmitted (continued from page 27) However, the CDC also notes that it may be possible for people to get the virus by touching surfaces of objects that have the virus on them and then touching their own mouths, noses or possibly their eyes. The relative infancy of Contact with surfaces The CDC notes that researchers COVID-19 means researchers have yet to fully understand do not suspect that contact how the virus is transmitted. with contaminated surfaces Understanding COVID-19 also or objects is the main way the involves staying up-to-date on COVID-19 virus is spreading. asymptomatic. So even people who do not feel sick or exhibit signs of sickness may unknowingly have the virus, potentially making them capable of spreading it.

the virus may be spreading through people who are

local announcements about the virus and adhering to any restrictions government officials put in place. People living in or near areas where others have been diagnosed should follow all protocols put in place by the government to reduce their own and their neighbors’ risk of exposure to the virus. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov.

30

DAILY PRESS • August 30, 2020

How to support local businesses during mandatory restrictions

T

regulations regarding the takeout and delivery of alcohol.

Utilizing such services can be a great way to support local businesses while still adhering to recommendations designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

he outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID19 throughout the United States in March 2020 transformed American lives in ways many might never have imagined possible. Social distancing recommendations and restrictions on gatherings of more than a handful of people had a ripple effect on the economy that adversely affected many small businesses.

Small businesses are the backbones of local communities. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.9 percent of all businesses in the United States and employ 59.9 million employees. The SBA notes that the accommodation and food services sector is the second largest small business industry. Many of these businesses have been hit especially hard as more and more of their regular customers stay at home in the wake of government advisories promoting social distancing.

But small businesses are vital to local communities, and there are ways to support them and help them stay afloat as they confront the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.

• Order delivery. It’s still possible to enjoy foods from your favorite local restaurants.

Many restaurants that had not previously done so have begun to offer delivery services, be it

• Purchase a gift card. Gift cards can help small businesses generate revenue at a time when their doors are largely closed to the public. This can be vital to these businesses’ survival, and it gives consumers something to look forward when life returns to normal.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration,

small businesses make up 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and employ 59.9 million employees. curbside or at-home, and this can provide a great respite for families who have had to cook three meals a day at home for their entire families for extended periods of time.

Curbside delivery has made it possible to get takeout meals without compromising social distancing recommendations.

• Recognize that more than food is available for takeout. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York announced relaxations on laws governing what can and cannot be obtained via takeout, allowing takeout on

goods that were previously restricted in regard to takeout. For example, Cuomo announced that the New York State Liquor Authority intended to temporarily relax

• Help market local businesses. Spread the word when local businesses deliver in the wake of the restrictions put on them due to COVID-19.

Share these experiences via social media or online reviews, and urge your neighbors to patronize these businesses.

Local businesses are suffering during the COVID-19 outbreak.

But communities can come together to support business owners and their employees to help these vital businesses stem the tide.