5 minute read
How to organize a community car parade
Celebrations 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.
• Contact local government
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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.
• 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 parade and that no objects are passed between cars while the parade is taking place.
• 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.
• 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.
SURGERY DURING COVID
Have 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
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.
