{"id":4259,"date":"2020-06-19T12:09:31","date_gmt":"2020-06-19T16:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/?p=4259"},"modified":"2020-06-19T12:09:31","modified_gmt":"2020-06-19T16:09:31","slug":"covid-19-my-city-is-reopening-how-can-i-protect-myself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/covid-19-my-city-is-reopening-how-can-i-protect-myself\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19: My City is Reopening. How Can I Protect Myself?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.-AGS-Geriatrics-HCPs-Logo-BLUE-AND-ORANGE.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4044\" src=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.-AGS-Geriatrics-HCPs-Logo-BLUE-AND-ORANGE-300x106.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.-AGS-Geriatrics-HCPs-Logo-BLUE-AND-ORANGE-300x106.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.-AGS-Geriatrics-HCPs-Logo-BLUE-AND-ORANGE-768x270.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.-AGS-Geriatrics-HCPs-Logo-BLUE-AND-ORANGE-1024x361.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.-AGS-Geriatrics-HCPs-Logo-BLUE-AND-ORANGE-500x176.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/1.-AGS-Geriatrics-HCPs-Logo-BLUE-AND-ORANGE.jpg 1224w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You may be living in an area where local officials have decided it\u2019s time to begin loosening restrictions that were put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. While we can\u2019t reduce our chances of becoming infected with the virus to zero, we can lower our risks and help reduce the coronavirus\u2019 spread as restrictions are lifted.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with COVID-19,<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>have symptoms, or have been in<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/php\/public-health-recommendations.html\">close contact<\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people. When can you leave home and be around other people? That depends on different factors for different situations. Follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\u2019s\u00a0recommendations<\/a>\u00a0for your circumstances.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As your area starts to reopen, your risk for contracting COVID-19 will be tied to several different factors. In general,<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>the closer and longer you interact with others, the higher your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Ask yourself these questions:<!--more--><strong>How does interacting with people impact your safety?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The more people you interact with, the higher your risk.<\/li>\n<li>If the people you interact with aren\u2019t practicing physical distancing or wearing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html\">cloth face coverings<\/a>, it increases your risk.<\/li>\n<li>Being with new people (such as those who don\u2019t live with you) also raises your risk.<\/li>\n<li>Some people can have the virus without showing or experiencing any symptoms. But we still don\u2019t know how often symptom-free people can spread the virus to others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Can you keep six feet of\u00a0space\u00a0between you and other people? Will you be outdoors or indoors?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0<em>closer<\/em>\u00a0you are to others (in terms of physical distance) who may be infected, the greater your risk of getting sick.<\/li>\n<li>Keeping distance from other people is especially important for people who are at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/need-extra-precautions\/groups-at-higher-risk.html\">higher risk for severe illness<\/a>, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.<\/li>\n<li>Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces, because indoor spaces make it harder to keep people apart. Indoor spaces also have less ventilation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How much time will you spend with people?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spending\u00a0<em>more<\/em>\u00a0<em>time<\/em>\u00a0with people who may be infected increases your risk of becoming infected.<\/li>\n<li>Spending more time with people increases\u00a0<em>their<\/em>\u00a0risk of becoming infected if there is any chance that you may already be infected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ask these questions to help determine your level of risk:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is\u00a0COVID-19 spreading\u00a0in my community?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Find out by viewing the latest\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html\">COVID-19 information<\/a> and a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/cases-updates\/cases-in-us.html#reporting-cases\">map of states with reported COVID-19 infections<\/a> from the CDC.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How can I stay up-to-date on regulations in my community?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Read updates from your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/publichealthgateway\/healthdirectories\/index.html\">local health department<\/a>\u00a0to better understand the situation in your community and what local orders are in place. Also find out about school closures, business re-openings, and stay-at-home orders\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/\">in your state<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will I be in close contact with others?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/how-to-practice-social-distancing\/\">Practice\u00a0physical distancing<\/a>\u00a0because COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in\u00a0close contact\u00a0with others.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It\u2019s important that you and the people around you wear a\u00a0cloth face covering\u00a0when in public and particularly when it\u2019s difficult to consistently stay 6 feet away from others.<\/li>\n<li>Choose outdoor activities and places where it\u2019s easy to stay six feet apart, like parks and open-air facilities.<\/li>\n<li>Look for physical barriers, like plexiglass screens or modified layouts, that help you keep your distance from others.<\/li>\n<li>Use visual reminders\u2014like signs, chair arrangements, markings on the floor, or arrows\u2014to help remind you to keep your distance from others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Am I at risk for severe illness?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/covid-19-addressing-elder-abuse-social-isolation-and-other-key-concerns\/\">Older adults<\/a> and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at\u00a0higher risk for severe illness\u00a0from COVID-19. While the risk for severe illness may be lower for some, everyone faces a certain risk. Some people have no symptoms, others have mild symptoms, and some get severely ill.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do I live with someone who is at risk for severe illness?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you live with older adults or someone with certain underlying medical conditions, then you and all family members should take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/a-z-topic\/covid19\">extra precautions<\/a> to minimize risk.\u00a0Learn more about what you can do if you or any members of your family are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do I practice everyday preventive actions?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Continue to protect yourself by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/a-z-topic\/covid19\">practicing everyday preventive actions<\/a>, like washing your hands often, not touching your face with unwashed hands,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/social-distancing.html\">physical distancing<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/keep-safe-from-covid-19-with-careful-home-cleaning-and-disinfecting-strategies\/\">disinfecting surfaces<\/a>, wearing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html\">cloth face covers<\/a>, monitoring yourself for symptoms, and staying home if you are sick.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will I be sharing any items, equipment, or tools with other people?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Choose places where any items that are shared are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses.\u00a0Or, visit places that share, post, or announce that they have increased\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/reopen-guidance.html\">cleaning and disinfection<\/a>\u00a0to protect others from COVID-19.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will I need to take public transportation?<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Public transit can put you in close contact with others. When using public transportation, follow the CDC\u2019s guidance on how to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/daily-life-coping\/using-transportation.html\">protect yourself when using transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will I be traveling to another community?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Before considering trips outside your community, consult the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/travelers\/travel-in-the-us.html\">CDC\u2019s travel considerations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If I get sick with COVID-19, will I have to miss work or school?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are sick with COVID-19, stay home. Also find out about telework or sick leave policies for your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/guidance-business-response.html\">work<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/community\/schools-childcare\/guidance-for-schools.html\">school<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do I know what to do if I get sick?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Know the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/if-you-are-sick\/steps-when-sick.html\">steps to help prevent the spread<\/a>\u00a0of COVID-19 if you are sick.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you decide to engage in public activities,<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>continue to protect yourself by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/prevention.html\">practicing everyday preventive actions<\/a>. If you will be running an errand, follow the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/daily-life-coping\/essential-goods-services.html\">CDC\u2019s recommendations on running errands<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Items to have on hand when out in public. <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A cloth face covering<\/li>\n<li>Tissues<\/li>\n<li>Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Stay Empowered, Stay Informed<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/index.html\">CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Information Hub<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/q-a-detail\/q-a-coronaviruses\">Frequently Asked Questions from the World Health Organization<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/acl.gov\/COVID-19\">Coronavirus Disease Update from Administration for Community Living<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may be living in an area where local officials have decided it\u2019s time to begin loosening restrictions that were put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. While we can\u2019t reduce our chances of becoming infected with the &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/covid-19-my-city-is-reopening-how-can-i-protect-myself\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4,9],"tags":[256,257,64,8],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4259"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4259"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4261,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4259\/revisions\/4261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}