Will Social Distancing Still be Necessary After COVID-19 Restrictions Are Lifted?

Staying Safe After COVID-19 Restrictions are Lifted

Now that some states have eased restrictions on the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still important to be mindful of sticking to specific safety measures, such as social distancing, to ensure your safety. It’s especially critical for those who are at high risk. Here’s what you need to know.

Who is at High-Risk for COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that the following people are most at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus:

• Adults over the age of 65
• People with asthma
• People with HIV or have compromised immune systems
• People with chronic lung disease
• People with severe heart conditions
• People with chronic kidney disease
• People who are obese
• People with diabetes
• People with liver disease

If you are considered high-risk of developing COVID-19, it’s essential to speak with your doctor and find out if you should still remain in quarantine as well as heed any other safety precautions that your physician recommends.

How to Care for Someone Who May Be at High Risk

If you are the caretaker of someone who is at high risk, it’s important to follow these precautions as recommended by the Red Cross to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick and stay at home as much as possible.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth face cover.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes into a tissue or your elbow if a tissue isn’t handy. Wash your hands immediately after and dispose of tissues in a lined trash bin.
• Clean and disinfect countertops, doorknob handles, light switches, and any other frequently touched surfaces.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or at least two of the following symptoms;
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell

Taking the proper precautions can help you stay safe and reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 as the pandemic restrictions are lifted.