1/ As an ER doc, I get lots of questions from friends & folks on Twitter about what “everyday” things you can & can’t do these days. Think of the following thread as a “Frequently Asked Questions” with answers for what you & your family can do during COVID-19 outbreak:
2/ Question: Is getting food takeout/delivery safe?
YES - Handling the food should be safe. The virus can live on inanimate objects, so wash hands before eating. With delivery, arrange that driver leaves food on porch & wait until they're 6 ft away to open door & receive food.
YES - Handling the food should be safe. The virus can live on inanimate objects, so wash hands before eating. With delivery, arrange that driver leaves food on porch & wait until they're 6 ft away to open door & receive food.
3/ With food takeout, only go if you can avoid crowds of greater than 10, per federal government recommendations. Maintain distance of greater than 6 ft between yourself & staff/other customers. Wash hands after handling money or credit cards.
4/ Question: Is it safe to open the mail and packages? Should we use wipes on anything we receive?
It is safe. Simply wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after.
It is safe. Simply wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after.
5/ Any tips for grocery shopping (or Target/Costco)?
Try to avoid crowds & keep 6 ft distance between yourself & other shoppers. Some stores have special hrs for the elderly who are particularly high risk for severe disease from COVID-19. Again, wash hands after shopping.
Try to avoid crowds & keep 6 ft distance between yourself & other shoppers. Some stores have special hrs for the elderly who are particularly high risk for severe disease from COVID-19. Again, wash hands after shopping.
6/ Should we still do stuff like dentist appts, OB-GYN checkups, lice checks, etc?
Lice check, routine dental visits & screening mammograms are non-essential. If unsure whether your scheduled procedure is essential, contact the individual with whom you're scheduled & discuss.
Lice check, routine dental visits & screening mammograms are non-essential. If unsure whether your scheduled procedure is essential, contact the individual with whom you're scheduled & discuss.
7/ Once you get this virus, are you immune from getting it again?
We don't know for sure about immunity after infection. While one does make antibodies to COVID-19, there are reports of re-infection after recovery from China & Japan. Once you recover, assume you're susceptible.
We don't know for sure about immunity after infection. While one does make antibodies to COVID-19, there are reports of re-infection after recovery from China & Japan. Once you recover, assume you're susceptible.
8/ Is it OK for kids to do a book swap with their friends, if we drop books off by their door & they do the same?
Like any delivery, wash hands well after handling. No harm in wiping down the books with disinfectant wipes or diluted bleach at 1 part bleach to 100 parts water.
Like any delivery, wash hands well after handling. No harm in wiping down the books with disinfectant wipes or diluted bleach at 1 part bleach to 100 parts water.
9/ Can my family walk on an empty beach if we don’t go close to others or go in water? Can we picnic in a large park?
If your jurisdiction allows, your family can safely go to an empty beach or large park, as long as you socially distance from other families at least 6 ft away.
If your jurisdiction allows, your family can safely go to an empty beach or large park, as long as you socially distance from other families at least 6 ft away.
