How to Stay Safe and Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Many people who worked from home or were laid off during the height of the pandemic have returned to the workplace in recent months. Now that the COVID-19 delta variant is causing increased infection rates, we want to highlight a few ways the CDC recommends you can stay safe and help prevent the spread of the virus in both professional and personal situations.

Get Vaccinated
With the delta variant causing increased cases, the CDC says it is more urgent than ever to get vaccinated to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.

Vaccines are more available now than they were earlier in the pandemic. A list of locations offering COVID-19 vaccines can be found in this national database. Just enter a zip code and the search results will list all locations within that area.

Florida residents also have this great resource for locating vaccines nearby. On that site, you simply choose the county and city from a drop-down menu.

Practice Masking (for Fully-Vaccinated and Unvaccinated People)
On July 27, 2021, due to the delta variant, the CDC issued guidance recommending that both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks indoors when in an area of substantial or high transmission. This helps prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The CDC says that vaccinated people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions might choose to wear a mask in all public, indoor settings. The CDC also says that people should continue wearing a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations or local guidance. 

Recognize COVID-19 Symptoms & Take Next Steps
COVID-19 affects people in different ways. According to the CDC, symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, but some people who are infected may only develop mild symptoms. Additionally, older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. If you feel sick, stay at home and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.
 
Here are some symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

 
The CDC provides guidance on when to seek emergency medical attention and how to care for someone who has COVID-19 who is living in your household.
 
There is an online, interactive clinical assessment tool that serves to assist individuals ages 13 and older, and parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 12, on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19. The mobile-friendly Coronavirus Self-Checker asks a series of questions, and based on the user’s responses, provides recommended actions and resources.

Practice Social Distancing
When possible, maintain six feet (about two arm lengths) between yourself and other people. Remember that some people without symptoms may still be able to spread the virus. Avoid crowds indoors when possible. When working indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if you can.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene
The CDC recommends to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, or between handwashes, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol (check the back label). Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Other times when it is important to wash your hands:

• Before eating or preparing food
• Before touching your face
• After using the restroom
• After leaving a public place
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling your mask
• After changing a diaper
• After caring for someone sick
• After touching animals or pets

Clean and Disinfect Often
Clean frequently touched surfaces at home and at work regularly. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks. Use a household disinfectant product from EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)  according to manufacturer’s labeled directions.

Ultimately, you can prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, knowing the symptoms and staying home if you have them, social distancing when possible, cleaning and disinfecting often, and practicing good hand hygiene and masking.
 
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