We hope everyone is having an uneventful self-quarantine! This stuff is no fun, but it IS necessary. The more isolated we can all be, the more time it buys doctors, scientists, and the government to figure out a next step.

With that said, these are the *exact guidelines that the CDC has set for us. It’s in everyone’s best interest that we follow these as carefully as possible. We’re not only protecting ourselves, but we’re looking out for those who are vulnerable and more susceptible to the virus, all the while flattening the curve.

Remember, social distancing and self-quarantine aren’t about keeping YOU healthy, but keeping other people healthy.

*Caring for Yourself at Home

10 things you can do to manage your health at home

If you have possible or confirmed COVID-19:

1. Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
2. Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.
3. Get rest and stay hydrated.
4. If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.
5. For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19.

• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest 
  • New confusion or inability to arouse 
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

1. Cover your cough and sneezes.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a face mask.
4. Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, and bedding
5. Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.

For any additional questions about your care, contact your healthcare provider or state or local health department.

It’s also important to maintain a sense of community by:

• Checking on your neighbors.
• Checking on senior citizens (without direct contact!)
• Checking on single parents 
• Donating to organizations who are making sure folks get fed

All of this can be done by phone, online, or video chat. If you need to drop off groceries, deliver meals, or pick up meds for someone, you could do a porch drop off to limit contact. The lonely, vulnerable, and isolated will feel more so if we don’t make a valiant effort on their behalf. 

In order to take the proper precautions, it’s crucial that you follow these guidelines even if you don’t feel like you have any symptoms. Remember, it’s not solely about you. It’s about the countless others you could save by doing your part to flatten the curve. In order for this to pass as quickly as possible, we need to take this seriously and do our part in keeping each other safe!

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