With no vaccine in place currently, and no therapeutic treatments available, social distancing and limiting the amount of face-to-face contact with others remains the most effective measures in reducing the spread of COVID-19. But when the need arises for essential supplies or important appointments, what should you do?

The first plan of action should be to use services that may be performed online, like:   

• Order groceries online for pick up or delivery.
• Use mail order prescription services or local pharmacy delivery.
• Utilize telehealth services and video conferencing for doctor appointments.
• Complete bank transactions at an ATM, online or over the phone.  
• Have someone else run the errands for you.
• Visit with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors online via Zoom and Skype

Isolation and quarantine are the best defenses to protect against the COVID and are especially critical for those who fall into the high-risk category for contracting the virus. High risk categories include:

• Being 65 years of age or older
• Chronic lung disease
• Serious heart condition
• Weakened immune system
• Severe obesity
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease

Unfortunately, there are times when you may need to leave your home for essential supplies and important errands. When you do leave the house, properly social distancing is imperative, as are other means of keeping you safe. Here are some recommended guidelines to follow before, during, and after each time you leave your home.   

Grocery store and pharmacies

Before entering the store:

• Put on a cloth facemask.
• Disinfect the shopping cart with wipes if available.

While you are shopping:

• Stay at least 6’ from others.
• Obey directional and one-way signs.

After you leave the store:

• Use hand sanitizer immediately.
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home with soap and water for 20 seconds.  

Bank

Before entering the bank:

• Put on a cloth facemask

While you are in the bank:

• Stay at least 6’ from others.
• Obey social distancing signs in the lobby.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Do not use community pens or pencils at the counter.

After you leave the bank:

• Use hand sanitizer immediately.
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Gas station

Before pumping gas:

• Wipe the handles and buttons with disinfecting wipes before touching them.

After pumping gas:

• Use hand sanitizer immediately.
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Getting takeout food

Before picking up your food:

• Order and pay for takeout online or over the phone.

While you are at the restaurant:

• Put on a cloth facemask.
• Use touchless payment options when available.

After you leave the restaurant:

• Use hand sanitizer immediately.
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Please stay home if you are sick. Whether you have another illness, a cold, or if you have symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please do not compromise your health and the health of others. Remember these best practices to remain healthy and minimize your exposure to COVID-19:

• Stay at home.
• Avoid close content with others.
• Choose times when fewer people are out.
• Wash your hands often and well.
• Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth or facemask.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often.
• Maintain good health by taking vitamins.
• Do not skip important wellness or follow up visits.