Have you been exposed to COVID-19?

Are you COVID positive or who live with someone who is?

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the COVID related symptoms found on our previous blog, here is what you can do. Due to increase in cases it is encourage to call your doctor first before going in to their office if you feel like you are starting to have minor symptoms. During your phone appointment, the doctor will evaluate your symptoms and advise you on what to do next depending on your evaluation.

What do I do if I have to Quarantine but I haven’t tested positive?

If you are asked to stay home and Quarantine for 14 days and live with family, it is encourage to designate a portion of the house (a bedroom and a bathroom if possible) for those who have may have been exposed to COVID-19. By creating a designated living area you are limiting the exposure to others in your home. Anyone who is living in the same house should still take necessary precautions and wash their hands, wear a mask, clean highly touched surfaces and try to stay away from the designated area.

What do I do if someone I live with has tested positive for COVID-19?

If you currently live with someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus and they are not required to be hospitalized and are cleared to be home, it is recommended that you first, get tested as you have been exposed to the virus and may carry it as well. Second, designate a portion of the house (a bedroom and bathroom, if possible) solely for the person who has contracted the virus. Limit the exposure to others in the home by taking all precautionary measures by wearing gloves, mask, when taking food into the designated area and bringing it back out (some may be provided PPE and hazmat suits by medical providers, not guaranteed for all), clean highly touched surfaces often with gloves, and wash your hands often. Also, please also follow any instructions given to you by medical providers.

If you are unable to have a separate bathroom you can designate for the individual who is sick. They should clean and disinfect after each use if possible, if they are unable to clean after each use and requires someone else to clean, that person should wait as long as possible before entering to clean and disinfect (this will limit the exposure to them as the virus can linger). Upon entry the person who will be cleaning should wear protective gear at all times.

How to disinfect your home?

When disinfecting your home you want to make sure you are wearing protective gloves and/or disposable gloves to protect yourself from harmful chemicals (Read all manufacturer’s labels prior to use for proper handling of product). You can find a list of recommended EPA – Registered Household disinfectants by the CDC, Here.

What is considered highly touched surfaces? List includes but not limited to the following:

• – Tables
• – Chairs
• – Fridge doors
• – Cabinet handles
• – Doorknobs
• – Light switches
• – Counter tops
• – TV Remotes
• – Toilets
• – Faucets
• – Sinks
• – Electronics (Phones, laptops, IPads/ Tablets, game console controllers, etc.. )
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What about Laundry?

Yes, even though you have someone who is positive in your home, you can still wash their clothes in your machines and you can even put their dirty items together with other household members items. When caring for laundry of the person who is sick, make sure to not to shake out their laundry and make sure to wear disposable gloves when handling. All hampers should be cleaned properly based on the manufactures guidelines. Dispose of gloves and wash hands immediately after.