Taking Extra Precautions for Common Errands

Centura Health believes accurate and current information is a key part of keeping our communities whole and healthy. As the public begins to transition to “Safer-at-Home” status, we want to share some tips with older adults and people of any age who are at higher risk for serious illness during the COVID-19 pandemic because of a significant, underlying medical condition they may have like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes.

“While many of us are eager to begin engaging more with others and going out into our communities as restrictions lessen in the next phase of this pandemic, older and higher risk populations will continue to face challenges when meeting their basic needs,” explains Dr. Andrew French, Chief Medical Officer for Centura - St. Anthony North Health Campus. “The best way to prevent illness is for these special groups to limit close contact with others.” 

If you are at higher risk, here are some ways, outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can lower your chances of getting sick with COVID-19:

1. Stay home if you are sick - Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
2. Order online or use curbside pick-ups. As many small and chain businesses adapt to this pandemic, look for food, prescriptions and other household items online for delivery or available to pick up curbside. This will limit your exposure to others and the virus that causes COVID-19.
3. Protect yourself when you do go out in public. For times when you need to go to a store or facility, remember these guidelines:
   1. Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
   2. Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering.
   3. If you must visit others, go at times when you know the likelihood is less for people to be there.
   4. Identify stores that offer special operating hours for people with severe illnesses or higher risk.
4. Bring your own disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. Keep these items in your purse or vehicle for use whenever you leave the house.
   1. Wipe down your carts and baskets in stores.
   2. Wipe buttons and handles before you touch them or use hand sanitizer after.
   3. Hand sanitize after you leave stores.
   4. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds upon arriving at your destination.
5. When collecting mail, ordering takeout food or picking up a delivery, wash your hands after transferring it. Again, use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
6. Bank online whenever possible. If you must go to the bank, use the drive-through.
7. Practice prevention at the gas pump. Bring wipes for the handle and buttons before you touch them. After you are finished fueling, consider hand sanitizer or going to a location to wash your hands.

“Fear about moving into this next phase, can be overwhelming and may cause strong emotions for higher risk populations,” explains Dr. French. “Coping with stress by making some adjustments to how you approach handling your daily needs will make you, your loved ones and our communities stronger.”