COVID-19
World Health Organization (WHO) states that common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing; covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; thoroughly cooking meat and eggs; avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness (such as coughing and sneezing); and practicing social distancing measures.
1. Each family member should stay in their own room and schedule a different meal time to avoid contact.
2. Separate utensils and wash dishes in high heat. If using disposable utensils, please dispose in the trash sealed in ziplock bags.
3. Guests should have their own bathroom (if possible).
4. Do laundry separately and wash in hot water. If possible, add disinfectant in the washer. Separate dirty clothes from each household member.
5. Provide vitamin C and water for each household member until the quarantine period is over.
6. Please check body temperature every 4-6 hours and keep a log of the results.
7. If any household member shows signs and symptoms of COVID-19, please call the primary care provider to arrange for testing.
8. The guest should be isolated to one bedroom in the home and should be cared for by one person.
9. The person caring for the guest/other patient should be in good health and should wear protective masks whenever in the room.
10. The caregiver should always wash hands thoroughly before and after every entry and exit of the room.
11. Keep people next to you informed daily. Should the situation worsen, please update us every 6 hours.
The CDC has advised that people with COVID-19 who have stayed isolated can stop isolation under the following conditions:
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing; covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; thoroughly cooking meat and eggs; avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness (such as coughing and sneezing); and practicing social distancing measures.
Develop a plan
Household plan – based on daily routine and needs:- Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan such as children, grandparents.
- Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk such as the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.
- Get to know your neighbors and talk to them about emergency planning.
- Identify aid organizations in your community and create a list of local organizations e.g. health department, hospitals, support, food, and other supplies.
- Create an emergency contact list of personal contacts.
- Practice standard preventative actions as follows:
a. Hand washing for 20 seconds
b. Avoid close contact with people who are sick (about 6 feet)
c. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
d. Stay home when you are sick
e. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
f. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (doorknobs, tables, countertops, light switches, cabinet handles) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
7. Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.
8. Learn about the emergency operations plan at your guest’s school/college and your workplace.
9. Stay in touch with others by phone or email.
10. Notify as soon as possible if someone is sick at home with COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath).
11. Have sick household members use the separate room and bathroom you prepared (if possible).
12. Discourage children from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. 13. Talk to your family members about your plan and how to cope during the outbreak in the community.
Recommendations to follow if caring for people who are quarantined at home:
1. Each family member should stay in their own room and schedule a different meal time to avoid contact.
2. Separate utensils and wash dishes in high heat. If using disposable utensils, please dispose in the trash sealed in ziplock bags.
3. Guests should have their own bathroom (if possible).
4. Do laundry separately and wash in hot water. If possible, add disinfectant in the washer. Separate dirty clothes from each household member.
5. Provide vitamin C and water for each household member until the quarantine period is over.
6. Please check body temperature every 4-6 hours and keep a log of the results.
7. If any household member shows signs and symptoms of COVID-19, please call the primary care provider to arrange for testing.
8. The guest should be isolated to one bedroom in the home and should be cared for by one person.
9. The person caring for the guest/other patient should be in good health and should wear protective masks whenever in the room.
10. The caregiver should always wash hands thoroughly before and after every entry and exit of the room.
11. Keep people next to you informed daily. Should the situation worsen, please update us every 6 hours.
How to discontinue self-isolation
The CDC has advised that people with COVID-19 who have stayed isolated can stop isolation under the following conditions:
- If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
- You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND
- other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
- at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared o If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
- You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers) AND
- other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
- you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.