People have been
hearing about the importance of testing so most of the questions I have been getting
are about that: Who needs to get tested? Do I need to get tested? How much does
it cost to get a test? Where can I get a test? Someone I work with tested
positive — what do I need to do?
Relatedly, another question
is about the guidance on self-quarantining and when they can return to work
after staying at home.
I do not feel that
people fully understand the importance of wearing a mask or social distancing.
I hear many people say there are conflicting messages about wearing a mask and
the effectiveness of masks. They say they hear different things, even from
respectable organizations and trusted leaders.
This is concerning because there really needs to be a consistent message from leaders, whether in public health, business or at the local or state level — study after study shows wearing a mask, especially when done while staying 6 feet away from others and washing your hands often, works.
Personally, I am
seeing a decline in both the wearing of masks and in practicing social
distancing. It seems there was a drop in following these public health recommendations as restrictions were eased and people began
to go out in public.
In the places where people are going more often, they do not seem to be as concerned now, compared to their behavior a month ago, about using a mask or keeping their distance from others.
People either do not
know the guidelines, are forgetting to follow the guidelines or are ignoring
the guidance altogether. Another challenge is businesses not having the
supplies they need, such as masks and gloves, to provide to their employees and
to the public.
Businesses want to
accommodate the public, but do so while maintaining social distancing in their
businesses, shops and restaurants. This is a challenge as they attempt to operate
successfully and safely.
This new normal is
frustrating people, based on what I am seeing. The new normal varies for
different people and groups. For example, families of a nursing home resident
have a different normal than someone who is frustrated because they are missing
going to a sporting event. Many of us get frustrated when we can’t express
friendliness through a handshake or a hug. And, almost everyone is having to
adjust to wearing a mask.
Even though it seems many people are frustrated, it also is encouraging seeing so many people who are doing their part to try to slow the spread of this virus.
There are too many stories to share. I don’t do social media but my wife does — so during this time I have frequented her Facebook page to read all the encouraging stories of our health heroes in our community. At the same time, there are many, many other stories of people and families who are struggling because of the drastic changes in their lives brought on by this virus.
I have been so
encouraged by the teamwork and partnerships I have seen in this response. So
many of our community partners have joined together for this effort.
These partners include the hospitals, clinics, community health centers, nursing homes, parish governments, emergency response agencies at the local and state level, local and state officials, the National Guard, area businesses and so many more who are working together in an inspiring way.
why is it mandatory to be tested every week, while working in a nursing home, if i have been tested 5 times and negative!
ReplyDeleteBetween weekly tests, it is still possible to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. You may unknowingly be an asymptomatic carrier and could spread the illness to the vulnerable residents of the nursing home where you work. Weekly testing provides the most up-to-date way to see if a staff member’s COVID status has changed, it ensures that employees who have been exposed or who are sick stay out of the workplace until they are COVID-free, and best prevents the spread of illness.
DeleteI need to know the guidelines for COVID-19 for Hotels in Louisiana. We will be traveling to Covington next week with my mom for scheduled testing not related to
ReplyDeleteCOVID-19. We will need to stay in a hotel for 2 nights. My mom does have COPD so she is in a high risk category. She has not been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for the virus nor does she have any symptoms She really never leaves our house. Before I schedule a hotel I need to know what the guidelines are for a hotel or if she should not stay in a hotel at all
Thank you
Make sure that the hotel thoroughly cleans and wipes down between guests. This includes cleaning hard surfaces, door handles and bathrooms. You should also wipe things down yourself with a clean, sanitized cloth rag.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest risk is when you are in the lobby when you are checking in or leaving. Be sure to keep distance between yourself and others. You want to make sure you are wearing your mask and that other people are wearing their masks. That will increase your safety.