Schools closed in our area 30 days ago and everyday I hear of another friend with a family member that has died due to COVID-19. Although it is a challenging time for many of us, preparedness and prevention should be our main focus.
What happens if an outbreak occurs in your neighborhood? What happens if someone in your household gets sick? The constant press conferences and increase in cases can cause us to be fearful but we cannot ignore the need for a COVID-19 Plan of Action. Communication is the best antidote for fear and during this time it is important that your family communicate their plan of action if someone becomes sick in your family.
Here are the needed steps to create your COVID-19 Plan of Action:
Create open communication. Gather your immediate family members to discuss family members that may be at greater risk. Make a list of these family members with assigned responsibilities to provide food, resources or assistance if someone gets sick. Schedule frequent calls to check in on family members and friends. Constant and open communication keeps everyone on the same page.
Create a list of resources. Make a list of local organizations that your household can contact in case you need resources, health care services or support.
Get to know your neighbors. We are all in this together. Reach out to them or join your local Next Door Group. You never know who you may have to lean on if you need supplies or assistance.
Create an emergency contact list of family and friends. Put this list somewhere that is visible in your house for others to see. Share this list with others if you live alone. Also, include your healthcare provider and local hospital on this list.
Stay informed about local COVID-19 updates and discuss it with your family. There is so much information that it can be overwhelming. Stay informed but limit your news and social media updates to not feel overwhelmed. For example, our household views COVID-19 updates every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. This way we are informed but not overwhelmed with the constant updates. It is also important to discuss how your family will conduct prevention to make sure you are on the same page.
What if someone in your house becomes sick?
If someone in your house becomes sick make sure you monitor their illness and watch for COVID-19 symptoms. A few emergency warning signs include:
- Trouble breathing
- Consistent check pain
- Confusion
In most cases those with the coronavirus will be asked to recover from home. Create a plan of action for your home.
Here are a few things to remember:
- If you feel you are sick and think you have COVID-19 seek medical attention but call ahead to let your doctor know you have symptoms and they will tell you what to do.
- Decide on what room you will use to quarantine those sick in your home. Make sure they use a separate room and bathroom if possible. Clean the sick room bathroom as needed and try to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.
- Restrict contact with household pets and other animals while you are sick.
- Provide your sick household member with a mask that covers their nose and mouth to prevent the spread in your home.
- Avoid having unnecessary visitors
- Clean all high touch surfaces every day
- Remember to wash your hands at least 20 seconds especially after caring for the sick person.
After Home Isolation Plan:
You or the sick person can leave your home after you have had no fever for at least 72 hours (full 3 days with no fever)
- Other symptoms have improved
- At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms have first appeared
Remember we are all in this together. Stay informed but make sure you are taking time out to monitor your emotional health during this time.
To learn more about coronavirus prevention and preparedness plans visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html
