Masking, Handwashing, Physical Distancing Key to Curbing Further Spread of COVID
At St. Peter's Health Partners, we know that continuing to take precautionary measures to keep you and your family safe from COVID-19 is tough. But, here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19.
The next several months will be critical and we must all remain vigilant. Each of us has the power to protect each other. Masks, diligently washing our hands, and staying 6 feet apart from those we don’t live with makes it harder for the disease to spread. Only together can we slow the COVID-19 pandemic.
MASK UP
Wearing face masks is something we can do every day to help prevent the spread of the virus. You should always wear one when you go out to public places and any time you are around people who do not live in your household.
How to Wear a Mask
• It should cover your mouth and nose
• It should be snug but comfortable against the sides of your face
• It should be secured with ties or ear loops
• It should be made with multiple layers of material (no masks with vents)
• It must allow you to breathe without restriction
• Disposable masks should be thrown away after each use; reusable masks should be washed regularly
WASH UP
Keeping our hands clean is one of the easiest and most important things we can do to stay healthy and help limit the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water whenever you can. However, if soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol should be used.
When to Wash Your Hands
• Before and after you have been in public and touched a surface frequently touched by others (like door handles, shopping carts, electronic cash registers/screens, gas pumps, etc.)
• Before and after touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• When entering or exiting the home
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Before, during and after you prepare and eat food
• Before and after contact with an ill person
• After using the toilet or changing diapers
• Before and after treating a cut, sore or wound
• After touching animals or animal waste
• After touching garbage, body fluids, or any time you have doubt if your hands are clean
6 FEET AND UP
We understand you want to spend time with your extended family and friends. We are all longing for more in-person interaction and fewer video calls. But we must do it safely, and that means keeping some space between us.
Coronavirus spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with each other for prolonged periods of time. Since people can spread the virus before they begin to feel sick, it is important to keep at least 6 feet away from others (physical distancing) as much as possible. It also means avoiding large gatherings (social distancing), which we know can be especially tough during the holidays. But by doing this now, we hope we can all get back to getting together with family soon.
For more information, visit www.sphp.com/healthand-wellness/celebrate-safely-this-holiday-season
If you or a member of your family needs a physician or information about other St. Peter’s ser vices call the St. Peter’s Physician Referral & Information Line at 518-525-2CARE (518-525-2227).