Reader questions return to normal

Dear Harriette: I have been staying at home for weeks, only venturing out occasionally to go to the grocery store. Now that things are loosening up, I’m still concerned about how much I should go outside. I have a couple of medical conditions, and I am very worried that if I catch this disease, I won’t survive. I haven’t told anyone in my neighborhood or my job that I have these health challenges.

One neighbor keeps asking me to take a walk with her. She has been great about walking a few miles every day. I, on the other hand, have sat around for weeks, and my body is not happy about that. I’m just not sure what to do. How should I handle this?

— Weighing The Odds Dear Weighing The Odds: Schedule a call with your doctor and discuss your health and your activities to determine what he or she recommends. Review your health challenges and how you have been taking care of yourself during this period of quarantine.

Talk about your lack of exercise. Share any details you know about your job and the plan to reopen.

What I have read is that doctors are continuing to recommend that people wear masks the entire time they are out of the home; that they keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others; that they avoid touching their faces; and that they regularly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. If you do that every time you go outside, you will reduce the chances of contracting the virus. If you get the green light for walking with your neighbor, remember to keep your distance.

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