Found 52 blog entries tagged as Health and Safety.

Here are some of the most common Coronavirus questions and answers.

How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.

For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement, or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching…

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If you are wondering about when and how you should be using a medical mask, here are some guidelines from the WHO.

  • If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person who has or might have the coronavirus.

  • Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

  • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

  • If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

  • Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

  • Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

  • Avoid touching the mask while…

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While researchers found that the virus can remain on some surfaces for up to 72 hours, the study didn’t include fabric. So far, evidence suggests that it’s harder to catch the virus from a soft surface (such as fabric) than it is from frequently touched hard surfaces like elevator buttons or door handles.

One thing experts do know: At this point, transmission happens mostly through close contact, not from touching hard surfaces or clothing. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to stay home. And if you do go out, practice social distancing.

This virus cannot go from person to person that easily. It needs us to be close. It needs us to be within 6 feet.

And don’t forget to use hand sanitizer while you’re out, avoid touching your…

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Antibody tests can show how common COVID-19 is. Once scientists know who has had the virus, they can find out how sick it makes most people. And they can study what happens if people who've had it are exposed to it again. When paired with other scientific information, this can help researchers understand who might be immune to the virus.

The hope is that people with antibodies to COVID-19 can safely get back to work, and normal life, quicker.

These tests may also help with an experimental treatment for COVID-19 called convalescent plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood.

Researchers are studying how antibodies in plasma donated by people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 might help those who are ill with the virus. One theory is that…

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As South Florida’s hospitals continued to grapple with COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths, Florida’s politicians are plotting a path to reopen society without reigniting the outbreak that has forced schools, businesses, and transit hubs into a prolonged lockdown.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that, with social-distancing measures on track to prevent an overwhelming spike in cases, he would establish a task force to help map Florida’s return to normalcy. He made the announcement as the state released new information showing more than 22,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and at least 614 deaths — including 359 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.

“It obviously is prudent to start thinking about and planning…

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Today, April 16th, Florida saw its third day of relatively low novel coronavirus confirmations since late March. The state has not seen two consecutive days of newly reported cases under 1,000 since March 29.

Wednesday evening, the Florida Department of Health confirmed 891 additional cases of COVID-19 and 43 new deaths statewide since Tuesday night. The state’s total number of confirmed cases jumped to 22,519, while the state’s death toll grew to 614.

The drop in the number of coronavirus cases being reported may be due to Florida significantly underreporting the state’s COVID-19 testing backlog.

The state reports only the number of Floridians waiting to hear test results from state labs, not private ones — and private labs are completing…

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Based on available information, pregnant people seem to have the same risk as adults who are not pregnant.

However, we do know that:

  • Pregnant people have changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections.

  • Pregnant people have had a higher risk of severe illness when infected with viruses from the same family as COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza.

  • Avoid people who are sick or who have been exposed to the virus.

  • Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Pregnant people should protect themselves from COVID-19

Risks to the pregnancy and to the baby

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People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay 6 feet or more away from people when in public places.

Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?

Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted…

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Based on current information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

  • People aged 65 years and older

  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

  • Other high-risk conditions could include:

  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma

  • People who have serious heart conditions

  • People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment

  • People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled,…

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As communities across the United States take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact, people are facing new challenges and questions about how to meet basic household needs, such as buying groceries and medicine and completing banking activities. The following information provides advice about how to meet these household needs in a safe and healthy manner.

Shopping for food and other household essentials

Stay home if sick.

Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Order online or use curbside pickup.

Order food and other items online for home delivery or curbside pickup (if possible).

Only visit the grocery store, or other stores selling…

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