What’s Next with Covid-19?

More and more people are becoming eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination and it is easier to get an appointment to become vaccinated, so we are all clear…right? Well, the answer is actually not quite yet. While states and other municipalities are easing restrictions on gatherings and restaurants, going full bore could easily cause another spike in Covid-19 cases. We have seen it in the recent past in our country and others that if we let up too soon the virus loves to poke its head in and get people sick. We here at HPFY can give you some tips and precautions to take to safely get out and about and get back to a normal life

Let’s Follow the Experts

Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer to listen to the people that work and are experts in certain fields and those in the field of epidemiology definitely get my attention. Epidemiology is the branch of science that studies the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases (or viruses). That sounds like somebody to listen to, huh? Especially when it comes to the Covid-19 virus. Every now and then the CDC provides guidance and recommendations on how we should be behaving until this virus is completely squashed. With Mother’s Day approaching followed by Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and July 4 (Independence Day) we should still be taking some precautions to reduce risk. Some current CDC guidelines include:

Indoor Activities during COVID-19

As more people become fully vaccinated the temptation to gather indoors with larger crowds will increase. Even though you may be vaccinated with either one or both shots, being in close proximity to others who may not have had all their vaccinations or have opted against them can increase the risk of infection. Even though the current vaccines are incredibly effective against Covid-19, there is a very small chance that you can contract the virus. Some indoor activities you may want to avoid includes:

• Indoor movie theaters 
• Indoor restaurants 
• Bars 
• High-intensity exercise classes

Try our newly added iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit

iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit

Basically, a good rule of thumb is if you are amongst your household family and everyone has been vaccinated the need for masking and distancing is not necessary. If you are among others in an indoor setting who have not been vaccinated, then social distancing and masking is recommended. Below is a CDC-issued chart to provide you with a risk analysis of indoor/outdoor activities.

If you decide to participate in a higher-risk activity, make sure you protect yourself and your family by wearing masks, washing your hands frequently, and distancing yourself. You may want to have some necessary supplies with you that can include:

• Honeywell AirGenius 3 Air Cleaner and Odor Reducer

  The three air cleaning levels (sleep, standard, and max-power) take the guesswork out how to most efficiently clean the air of your home. The Tower unit fully circulates the air in a closed room five times an hour, greatly reducing the amount of airborne dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and allergens.

• Gen 3-Ply Protective Pleated Facemask with Earloops

  These can filter up to 95% of airborne particulates and are FDA approved. They provide full protection when worn properly and can easily be carried in a purse or pocket to improve compliance when necessary. Doubling up on your masks can give you even further protection from transmission of Covid-19.

• PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel

  The blend of four moisturizers lends itself to frequent use while killing up to 99.99% of germs that can cause illness. Simple and easy to carry with you, it can eliminate the need to enter public rest rooms and minimize exposure risk.

• Microban 24-Hour Disinfectant Sanitizing Spray

  If you need to have a family gathering in your home with those who live outside of your immediate family or some other gathering, this sanitizing spray kills 99.99% of germs inside of five minutes (including Covid-19). It kills germs on all surfaces from backpacks to doorknobs and continues working for 24 hours.

Honeywell AirGenius 3 Air Cleaner and Odor Reducer

Gen 3-Ply Protective Pleated Face Mask With Earloops

PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel

Microban 24-Hour Disinfectant Sanitizing Spray

 

Outdoor Activities during COVID-19

The CDC and common sense say that outdoor meetings and gatherings are far safer than those in an indoor setting. There are a few holidays approaching that would normally be large gatherings and potential super spreader events. Hopefully, your gatherings will have mostly vaccinated participants and this won’t be an issue!! Any time you are in a gathering (indoor/outdoor or small/large) with that outside of your household please take precautions such as masking and social distancing. Some safe outdoor activities identified by the CDC are:

• Walking or running with household members 
• Attending small gatherings with fully vaccinated family/friends 
• Attending small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people

 

There are other outdoor activities that the CDC has identified as potentially being in the higher risk category when it comes to transmitting or contracting Covid-19. These include:

• Dining at an outdoor restaurant with people from multiple households 
• Crowded outdoor events such as concerts, parades, or sporting events

Until a large enough percentage of our population has been vaccinated or is immune to the Covid-19 virus, each of us needs to assess the risk of any event or gathering honestly. Even though the CDC has said that outdoor events are safer, it is still a great idea to take steps to stay safe. To make your outdoor gathering safe try having these on hand:

• Softsoap Antibacterial Hand Soap

  This clinically proven hand soap can eliminate 99.99% of bacteria and can help you avoid the need to use public restrooms, which can be a great spot for spreading bacteria and viruses. It can help you frequently wash your hands while keeping your skin soft and protected.

• PURELL Cottony Soft Individually Wrapped Sanitizing Hand Wipes

  The 62% alcohol formulation of this easy-to-use, individually wrapped sanitizing wipe kills 99.99% of germs and has aloe, vitamins A and E, and other moisturizers to keep hands clean and soft. These are also ideal for avoiding public restrooms which can minimize your risk of infection.

• Medline Curad Basic Care Vinyl Gloves

  These powder-free, nonsterile single-use gloves form a solid barrier between your skin and germs to prevent possible infection. After their use, they are simply discarded and you don’t have to worry about touching your face and possibly contracting Covid-19. Simply keep some with you at all times when you are out and about and you will be safer!!

Softsoap Antibacterial Hand Soap

PURELL Cottony Soft Individually Wrapped Sanitizing Hand Wipes

Medline Curad Basic Care Vinyl Gloves

 

After a year of staying home and avoiding family and loved ones, we are now starting to get back to normal. Unfortunately, this means coming into contact with more and more people and increasing the risk of Covid-19 infection. Over time more and more people are becoming vaccinated and even teenagers will soon be able to be vaccinated against this virus. In the meantime, we need to be diligent and even sometimes think outside of the box to keep ourselves and our families safe. Stay safe and healthy and above all get vaccinated for a quicker return to normal!!

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