“These are our parents, grandparents of our children, friends and neighbors, who are too valuable to risk losing to a virus that can be prevented if precautions are taken,” said Lander. “Younger adults are becoming infected with the virus in our community and passing it on to older adults they contact at home, at work, at the store, or elsewhere in the community.”
Older adults must take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19
– Wash your hands often
– Avoid crowds and large gatherings, especially in venues with poor ventilation.
– Don’t shake hands with people.
– Keep at least six feet between you and other people.
– Stay away from people who may be sick.
– Wear cloth face coverings in public places.
– Try shopping during off-hours—later on weeknights or earlier on weekends—when crowds at stores are lower.
– Avoid touching “high-touch” surfaces: elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, etc.
– Find out if family or friends have been sick in the past two weeks BEFORE they visit. If they have been sick, reschedule at least two weeks out.
– If you depend on regular medical treatment like dialysis, wound care, etc., talk to your health care provider about special arrangements.
– Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors, health care providers, community assistance programs and drivers. Make sure phone numbers are up to date.
– Stay in touch with the people on your list and let them know you may need them for help if you become sick.
Families, friends and caregivers must help prevent the spread of COVID-19
If you’re caring for someone at home, you may need to prepare a separate bedroom and bathroom for them. Learn more about this type of at-home care:
CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html
If the person you’re caring for lives in a facility:
– Know the facility’s outbreak protocol.
– Ask daily about the health of the other residents.
– Monitor visitors. Ask if they’ve been ill over the past two weeks or if they currently have a fever. A “yes” answer means the visit needs to be postponed for at least two weeks.
