While it has felt like a very long time that we’ve “sheltered in place,” our collective efforts to continue the practices we started to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will be key to avoiding a spike of new cases and the return of greater restrictions. As the weather improves and access to venues is made easier, it may be tempting to rush back to old habits and patterns. Centura Health caregivers encourage all of us to take a new approach as we enjoy summer, return to work and experience an easing of restrictions.
“As the world waits for a vaccine or medication to effectively treat COVID-19, we as a community need to move quickly to change our habits to reduce or stop the spread of this serious virus,” explains Dr. Cobb, Denver Group Chief Medical Officer for Centura Health. “We have to do our part to behave differently in small and large group settings. We all have to work to overcome our personal biases and reluctance to participate in this effort in order to protect the most vulnerable populations, of all ages.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages us to continue the following behaviors as we move through the next stage of this pandemic:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Social distance
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.
- Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
- Stay at least six feet (about two arms’ length) from other people.
- Do not gather in groups.
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Wear a face covering in public – cover your mouth AND nose
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Continue to keep about six feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
- Cover your cough or sneeze
- Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
While these changes are difficult for adults, they can be even more challenging for our kids. Explaining that we must all do our part to protect others and ourselves can help, and leading by example – practicing social distancing, washing our hands frequently and wearing a mask when social distancing – often achieves the best result with our kids.
“I know folks are happy to be getting out more. I am too, personally; it will be terrific for our physical and mental health – we just need to do it safely,” said Dr. Cobb.
Thank you for helping reduce the spread of COVID-19. At Centura Health, your well-being guides everything we do.
