Keeping Safe: Protecting Yourself and Others from COVID-19

We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and it certainly seems that we will continue taking the proper precautions and practice social distancing for the foreseeable future. At Baptist Health, it is absolutely essential that our employees, patients, their families and our community remain safe and healthy while receiving necessary medical attention. It is our top priority to protect the wellbeing of those around us.As of late March, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that all 50 states have reported cases of the virus with a total of roughly 44,183 cases across the country. While it is strongly recommended that you avoid contact with others, we understand that it cannot always be avoided. While many Americans are spending a majority of their time at home, there are still a number of protection methods that can be practiced daily in order to prevent exposure to COVID-19. For this reason, we want to provide you with helpful information that will protect you and others from any unnecessary health risks.- Wash Your Hands and Remain CleanThis is the number one most important precaution to follow during a health-related incident. Wash or sanitize your hands for at least 20 seconds periodically throughout the day to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria to yourself and others. Make sure that any hand sanitizer used contains a minimum of 60% alcohol and avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. As an additional measure, be sure and shower frequently. Wash your body with soap and water to decrease any bacterial spread or exposure.- Sanitize and Avoid Frequently Touched Surfaces or ObjectsIf you are outside of your home, avoid frequently touched surfaces such as desks, countertops, tables, doorknobs, or chairs. Be sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces around your home daily. It is important to use detergent, soap and water and disinfectants during this process. Solutions containing bleach and alcohol are highly recommended.- Stay at Home and Avoid ContactThis can be a difficult practice. The best way to avoid exposure or spreading illness to others is to remain indoors as much as possible. At this time, jobs are going completely remote or facing termination simply due to their reliance on working around others. It is important to only leave your place of residence if absolutely necessary (i.e. groceries, gas, essential items, etc.). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), remain a minimum of three feet from anyone coughing or sneezing. For those with COVID-19, symptoms can last for up to 14 days. Be mindful of those around you and avoid any type of contact as much as possible. Wear a facemask to avoid needless exposure or spreading to others.- Know the Symptoms and Contact a Health ProfessionalThe three common symptoms of COVID-19 are coughing, sneezing and fever. Being a respiratory illness, it is important to cover all sneezes and coughs if you are beginning to feel ill. Research common symptoms so that you know what to avoid or look for if you feel sick. While monitoring your symptoms, contact a health professional over the phone or web before leaving for a doctor’s visit to prevent unnecessary contact with others. - Be Calm and Stay InformedVisit the CDC and WHO websites for updates and developments concerning COVID-19. It is important to know the status of exposure and how it can be further prevented as new discoveries arrive. For any questions, contact one of our health professionals for more information. Despite the difficulty of today’s circumstances, it is necessary to remain calm. It can be easy to become worried, stressed, or confused during times like this. Healthcare professionals are always available to help those in need as we continue to search for a solution. Baptist Health would like to keep you and your loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. For more information about COVID-19 prevention and how we can help, visit our homepage.

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