COVID-19 has thrown 2020 for a loop. After many long months of precautions and distancing, it’s important to understand that the pandemic is still not over. Positive case numbers are spiking across the country — and now is not the time to relax your safety measures.
Here’s what you should know about continuing to protect your family’s health in the coming months.
Follow Expert Guidelines
Be sure to stay informed about the latest recommendations from your state, county and city. Check the CDC website and our Coronavirus Resource Hub for the latest safety updates, guidelines and tips.
Be Prepared
The CDC recommends creating a household plan to help protect your health and the health of those you care about. This includes an isolation strategy if a family member has or is suspected of having COVID-19.
If you or your child have recently had a known exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay home, self-quarantine and clean thoroughly.
Quarantine or Isolation: What's the Difference?
Quarantine keeps someone who might have been exposed to the virus away from others.
Isolation keeps someone who is infected with the virus away from others, even in their home.
Practice Good Hygiene
Experiencing another wave may feel scary. But as with the first wave of illness in the spring, it’s important to remember there are steps you can take to protect yourself from infection and prevent the spread to others. You can reduce your risk by:
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Avoiding touching your face when your hands are not washed
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Covering your mouth and nose with a mask or other face-covering whenever you’re around other people
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Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throwing the tissue in the trash; if you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow.
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Following the advice of your local community or state health experts regarding work from home or shelter-in-place orders
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Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in your home that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches and counters
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Staying at least 6 feet away from other people when in public
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Staying home if you feel sick
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Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you’ve been in public or coughing or sneezing
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When running water is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
Know When and Where to Get Tested
Our teams are here to keep you protected during in-person visits for all your health care needs. You can talk with your AdventHealth caregivers virtually through your smartphone, tablet or computer. During a telehealth visit, you and your doctor can decide together how to get care when and where you need it. Download the free AdventHealth app to get started.
Also, be sure to call your physician right away if you feel sick or think you have COVID-19 symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell).
For the most accurate test results, it’s best to get tested within 5 to 7 days of exposure or at the earliest onset of symptoms. This reduces the odds of a false negative result. Any close contacts should also be tested.
All AdventHealth Centra Care locations offer:
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Antigen test results available in as little as 15 minutes after sample collection
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COVID-19 evaluation, testing and treatment for all ages
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Easy reservation scheduling with clinics open 7 days a week
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PCR testing (another type of COVID-19 test) available, if needed
Make an online reservation and learn more about testing at Centra Care locations here.
Your Guide in Moving Forward Confidently
As we face these challenges together, know we’re always here to support you in body, mind and spirit. Whether you need safe, whole-person care or the latest news and information, we’re with you every step of the way.
