QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE DECIDING TO SOCIALIZE IN PANDEMIC TIMES

We’ve been getting a lot of questions from clients lately about COVID-19 safety. “Is it ok to have a friend over? I know that her immediate family practices social distancing and wears masks!” Or, “what if I meet my grandchildren outside at the park and we all go for a walk?” There is no set answer for these questions, it comes down to the risk you are willing to take. Remember that with the Coronavirus, it’s not just our own risk that counts but also the risk to our family, friends, and in some cases co-workers. How about the risk to your 75 or 80 year-old spouse?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those aged 65 and older have accounted for 8 out of 10 deaths related to COVID-19. Regardless of the easing of restrictions on business and other activities, it’s still recommended that those with chronic health issues, with compromised immune systems, or those over 65 continue taking precautions. It is important to keep up to date with your city and state’s community transmission numbers.

Determining the risk for catching COVID-19 depends on many factors. Where you’re going, who you’re going with and the choices they’ve been making. If the friend or family member you’re going to be with wears masks all the time, avoids large gatherings, practices social distancing, washes their hands often, then the risk of their having COVID and giving it to you is low. However, if the person has been going to indoor get-togethers or shopping in crowded malls, and only wears a mask occasionally, you may be in trouble. And then, there is also the issue of honesty – would they be truthful about what they have and have not been doing?

Watching so much bad news on TV, seeing businesses close, and hearing about friends or family that got sick is stressful. Over 30% of adults are reporting anxiety and depression and feeling lonely or isolated. We need our loved ones and some support from friends to handle the stress, but restrictions continue to be necessary because COVID is not going away any time soon and there is no vaccine yet, only hope! Clients need to make some tough decisions so here are some questions to assess the risk of social interactions:

1. Is the activity inside or outside? COVID-19 travels mostly via respiratory droplets so it’s important to be physically apart. If you are outside, it’s less likely that the infection will carry or stay suspended in the air, but you still need to stay at least 6 feet away.
2. Will masks be worn? Masks help prevent infection. When you wear a mask, it limits the spread of droplets when you talk or laugh, sneeze or cough. If properly worn, covering your nose and mouth, the mask also protects you from others, especially when you’re inside.
3. How many people will there be? A large gathering poses a greater the risk than just a few people. There are local state and county recommendations based on the severity of the pandemic in your area.
4. How long will I be at the event? Time matters because the longer the exposure, the more likely that the virus is transmitted, if someone has it. Stick to an hour, outside, with a mask and 6 feet of distance.
5. Are friends and family following the rules? Have they been exposed by others? Even though there are only 3 or 4 people in a room, give them an idea of the risks you’re taking so that they can decide if they’re comfortable spending time with you. Let others know about the safeguards you’re taking as well. Remember that your choices affect other people. Even you could be contagious and spread the virus without knowing it.

Here’s some helpful suggestions:

• If your neighborhood has sidewalks, short walks are a great way to slowly reacquaint yourself with the great outdoors. You can wave from a distance to neighborhood folks you know.
• Outdoor facilities, parks, and beach boardwalks are beginning to open up and may allow some restricted activities, but avoid these places when they’re crowded and physical distancing isn’t possible.
• Outdoor drive-in theaters have started showing movies again with reduced parking spaces for safety, and it will work for those with limited mobility.
• Another outdoor activity you could try is gardening, even if it is just planting a few pots on a patio or terrace with colorful plants.
• Indoor malls are reopening, and are great places to walk in hot weather. Stay six feet away from others and wearing a mask at all times. Minimize exposure by staying out of the stores and using hand sanitizer after touching doors or railings, elevator buttons, etc.
• Many supermarkets have special hours for the elderly, you and a friend or family member could take advantage of it. Be sure to follow the rules for masks and social distancing. Consider wearing gloves as an added protection when touching products and produce. Sanitize your cart handle if the market has not already done so.

Contact Us: Social interaction is really important, and needed now more than ever. Perhaps consider companion care for yourself or a loved one that must take social distancing seriously due to age or chronic conditions. Our caregivers and staff observe the strictest pandemic protocols to keep our clients safe. We do need to connect with others, but we just need to be smart about doing it. When FaceTime, Zoom, and other apps are no longer enough, family is far away or back at work, and friends are scared to go out, a companion from Visiting Angels can fill the void. Call us at 561-328-7611.

 Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, MA

President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.