COVID-19

What’s your risk level?

The CDC says “older adults” and people with severe chronic illness are more likely to become severely ill from Covid-19. Infectious disease experts define “older adults”
as anyone age 60 and up, so people in that age group should be cautious. If you live in a community where there’s an outbreak, you’re at a higher risk of infection,
too. Follow the advice below.

What precautions you should take now?

• Cancel non-essential doctor’s appointments
• Schedule telehealth sessions for appointments you can’t miss
• Designate an emergency contact
• Wash your hands frequently (scrub for 20 seconds with soap and water)
• Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available Stock up
• Make sure you have enough groceries and household products to last you a “prolonged period of time” at home
• Prescription medication may be difficult to get ahead of time, so consider mail ordering
Travel
• Avoid nonessential plane travel
• Don’t go on a cruise: ship passengers are at a higher risk of infection Life
• Stay at home as much as possible if you live in an area where there’s an outbreak
• In public, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated buildings
• Keep several feet of distance from people
• Wash your hands with soap after going in public
• If you need to isolate, keep in touch with family and friends Nursing homes
• Most long-term care facilities have pandemic plans
• Call facility staff for information on their plan
• If you’re sick, do not visit a nursing home
• If you’re visiting a nursing home in an outbreak area, get screened before entering
• Figure out an alternative mode of communication
if a nursing home bans visitors.
If you think you’re sick
Call your doctor before going in for a test. Don’t use public transportation and stay at home as much as possible.
Call a local Coronavirus hotline for more information. In Pinellas 866-779-6121