SENIORS SHOULD STAY SAFE AS STATE REOPENS
Wondering if it is safe to eat at a restaurant or go shopping?
Now that it is June, across the state of Florida retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses are beginning to reopen. According to the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the ongoing risks of the pandemic have materially changed. The pressures to reopen businesses have been huge, but that does not guarantee that just because they are open it is safe.
Due to voluntary quarantining and extreme social distancing for several months, many folks are ready, though cautious, to resume some parts of their old lives to maintain their mental health. The safest thing to do, if you can manage it, is still to stay at home, but now is the time when—unlike the past six weeks or so—folks can consider cautiously reintroducing some nonessential activities into their life after weighing the risks to themselves and others.
Local and state governments are now easing restrictions, but it is better to err on the side of caution, depending upon your age, chronic conditions, and that of your spouse or other loved one, and older family members who may live with you. There are guidelines to follow that can help you think about the safety of everyday activities, proceed slowly back into society. Here is some general advice for making safe choices for specific activities you may be considering. As always – this is not medical advice, and check with your doctor first.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHOULD I STILL STAY AT LEAST SIX FEET AWAY FROM OTHER PEOPLE?
Yes. Experts say six feet is not a magical distance and the farther, the better. You should still wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, use hand sanitizer on the go, avoid touching your face, wear a mask, and stay home if you’re sick but don’t require medical care. Exercise caution depending on your own health, your age, preexisting conditions, how much risk you’re willing to tolerate, and the benefit that the activity could provide to you. Consider also how much risk you might be introducing for everyone else living with you. As businesses reopen, there may be a local spike in cases. Stay on top of the news in case local leaders begin restoring stay-at-home orders.
CAN I VISIT MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY? AND CAN I GIVE MY GRAND-KIDS A HUG?
Yes, but be careful to maintain social distance. No hugging! It might just be safer to socialize outdoors—on patios, lawns, in driveways, etc. Outdoor areas are generally safer than indoor ones because they have better ventilation, more direct sunlight, and more room for people to space themselves out—none of which completely shuts down the transmission of the virus, but all of which seem to reduce it. Even with outdoor gatherings, it’s best not to get too close to anyone you don’t live with.
CAN I GO ON A WALK WITH A FRIEND?
A walk with a friend in a park is probably better than hanging out in the living room. Being outdoors is generally safer, still don’t get as physically close as you usually would, and wear a mask.
CAN I ATTEND A RELIGIOUS SERVICE?
Attending services in a crowded church or temple may not be a great idea right now. Virtual services seems the smart choice here. Outdoor services might be okay if proper distancing protocols were observed and folks wore masks. But experts say that singing comes with a higher risk of spreading the virus than talking does. Religious services, especially where hymns are sung, are still cause for concern.
WHAT IS THE THE GROUP OF PEOPLE I CAN SAFELY INTERACT CLOSELY WITH?
The safest “bubble,” of course, is one that only includes you, and the people you live with, as well as healthcare providers and front line aides who might visit on a regular basis like your daily caregiver or companion. Keep in mind that each person you add to your bubble brings not only their own risks, but the risks of everyone else they may be exposed to. So if you do add people to your bubble, choose them cautiously and out of necessity — and be sure they are following CDC guidelines.
CAN I EAT AT A RESTAURANT?
Probably, as long as the tables are sufficiently spaced out and the workers wear masks. Stick to restaurants with outdoor seating. You should wear a mask when you go, though of course you’ll have to remove it when you eat. Experts say this isn’t a zero-risk scenario, and high-risk populations should be cautious. Remember you can still get restaurant food with far less risk by getting takeout or delivery instead.
CAN I GO SHOPPING?
Shopping for essentials like groceries and medication has been allowed over the past couple of months, and as more stores reopen, the same guidelines for safe shopping apply: Wear a mask and gloves, go somewhere else if the store is too crowded, and turn around if the air in a space feels stuffy. Use drive-thru windows, curbside pickup, and delivery services many stores and pharmacies are starting to offer, it is safer for all involved.
CAN I GET A HAIRCUT?
Haircuts mean close physical contact and often conversation, there are real risks here. If you choose to go, both you and your haircutter should wear a mask, though you may have to remove yours temporarily if the elastic is in the way of the scissors. Be sure you are able to keep six feet between you and the other clients in your vicinity. Ask someone you live with if they can trim your bangs, it is less risky.
CAN I GO TO THE DENTIST OR DOCTOR?
Consider telehealth options or a telemedicine visit with your doctor, who can advise you from there if your medical issue necessitates an office visit and exam. If you have an urgent dental problem, then contact your dentist about an appointment. If you just have a routine cleaning coming up, better to wait.
CAN I USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION?
Experts agreed that if you must get on a bus or in an Uber, you should wear a mask, distance yourself from others, and use hand sanitizer when you disembark. Driving in a car with your caregiver or family member is safer than public transit when it comes to the risk of exposure. If you urgently need to go somewhere, perhaps to see a loved one who’s dying, if you can drive, that’s probably safer than flying right now. If you don’t have to leave your current location, don’t. There’s a risk that you’d catch the virus if you went somewhere else, just as there’s a risk that you’d spread it. Moreover, if you do have to go to the hospital (for whatever reason) during a pandemic, you probably would want to navigate a health system that you’re familiar with instead of one in another area.
CONTACT US: A second wave of the coronavirus is probably on the way now that businesses are reopening. Many people are conscientious of proper pandemic protocols but many are not. This is not the time to let down your guard or become lazy about hygiene or complacent about social distancing. This is the new normal and perhaps a good time to consider in-home services or companion care, Should you need help in the home with sanitizing, shopping, chores, cooking, cleaning, or require assistance with your daily routine, our Angels are here for you. Need transportation to the doctor, dentist, or pharmacy? We’ve got your covered. If your family member who has been caring for you is going back to work and you need a few hours of help with grooming and hygiene, or want a walk in the park to get some fresh air and exercise, our caregivers and companions can help and keep you safe. A FREE consultation is available just by calling 561-328-7611.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.