The coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused a worldwide pandemic that has changed how we live, as governments worldwide seek to limit the spread of this disease. We are being asked to stay at home, businesses are closed, and there have been shortages of the basic necessities of daily life.
These are stressful times for all of us, and even more so for adults age 65 and older or individuals with multiple chronic conditions, since they are at higher risk for severe complications if they contract COVID-19.
One way to help your older family members, neighbors, or friends to navigate these challenging times is to be sure they are aware of basic advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that you can share with older adults:
- The safest thing to do is to stay home. If you must go out for essential errands, stay six feet away from other people. (Six feet equals about two arm lengths.). If you are sick, you must stay home.
- Also avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep six feet away from them at all times.
- Wash your hands often. Wash for at least 20 seconds (sing the Happy Birthday song twice).
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that you frequently touch.
- Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
- If you are sick, or have concerns about COVID-19 and an underlying health condition, call your healthcare professional.
