As the Covid-19 vaccination process gathers full steam here in the US, there has been a slow but steady easing of restrictions throughout the country. Mask mandates are dropping, businesses are reopening, and socializing is becoming more of a possibility in many areas, giving us all hope that there is finally some light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.
IMPORTANT NOTE: HEAVENLY Care is continuing to use masks for all care provided to their clients
The Importance of Staying Safe as Restrictions Ease
While the temptation to jump right back into normality is understandable, it is important to realize that the risks of Covid-19 remain. The virus is still out there, and while the numbers of deaths and hospitalizations are slowly dropping, the truth is many people, especially the elderly, are still risk even as restrictions begin to ease.
In fact, the risk of illness caused by Covid-19 is increased in people aged 65 and above, which is why the CDC is recommending this age group be the first to receive vaccinations. The vaccine significantly reduces the chance of developing serious illness from the virus, although the rollout of the vaccine is still on-going, meaning many are still at risk as restrictions continue to ease.
Given that the end of this horrible period is finally in sight, now is not the time to get complacent with our safety, especially for older adults that fall under the higher risk category.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can continue to remain safe as we approach the end of Covid-19 restrictions in the coming months:
Maintain Good Hygiene Practices
The initial days of the pandemic saw an increased focus on improved hygiene, with washing and sanitizing our hands being one of the first lines of defense against infection. Given how transmittable the virus remains, it is vital that you continue to maintain proper hygiene to help avoid the risk of catching it.
This means:
- Wash hands frequently using an anti-bacterial soap with water or a hand sanitizer. Make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds, doing so before and after you visit any public place.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Don’t sneeze into your hands – use a tissue or inside the elbow instead.
- Disinfect surfaces around the home, including door handles, taps, phones etc.
Keep Wearing a Mask
Even if mask mandates are no longer in place, wearing a mask remains one of the most effective ways to stay safe when outside of the home. Given you are likely going to be spending more time out and about, you should continue to wear the mask to ensure you and others have as much protection as possible.
In fact, you may find that while mask mandates are not in place, this only applies to low risk people. So, if you fall under high risk, such as being aged 65 or above, then it may still be recommended that you wear a mask to keep safe.
Also, mask mandates may still be in place for certain things, such as using public transport. In any case, it is a good to continue wearing a mask to minimize the risks you face.
Safe Socializing
We understand that the lack of socialization has a huge negative impact on mental health, making it very tempting to jump back into a normal social life as restrictions ease. Remember, the virus is still a risk so it is vital that you limit initial socialization, especially if you fall under high risk categories.
This could be something as simple as going to the local park to meet with a friend, grabbing a coffee and having a walk with someone, or even just sitting on a bench nearby your home to chat with a neighbor.
Avoid places that are overly crowed, and limit how many people you are meeting from other households. We will all be able to socialize normally very soon, so try limiting what you do now so that we can get back to normality sooner rather than later!
Focus on Fun Outings
If most of your time spent outside is running errands, consider focusing on more enjoyable activities that can help you feel better. For instance, rather than only going out to get groceries or medicine, try visiting a local park or walking trail.
Why not treat yourself to a nice coffee or some ice cream while you take a leisurely stroll in your local area? With spring finally arriving you could spend some time in the garden each day, planting vegetables, growing flowers, or doing some landscaping projects.
Anything that gets you outside without running errands is a good way to spend your time, helping to give a sense of normality while continuing to stay safe.
