What should I do if there is a COVID-19 outbreak in my community?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
A physician expecting an outbreak of an infectious disease in the community will always guide their patients to be cautious, plan, get organized, get registered, stock up, monitor symptoms, and be prepared for the outbreak. Planning involves gathering information and stocking up on essentials during an outbreak. With the COVID-19 pandemic and national emergency one should plan the following with the expectation of an outbreak:
Be cautious and take preventative safety measures
Wash hands frequently for at least 20-30 seconds, avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth, do not leave your home if sick, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and frequently disinfect regularly-touched objects like doorknobs, counters, phones, etc. When out in public, wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, avoid close contact with others by maintaining a social distance of six feet, and avoid directly touching surfaces especially doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc.
Prepare to stay at home
Be prepared to stay at home and do self-quarantine in case of a community outbreak. Have a room in the house ready for isolation of self or any member of the household, especially the elderly who may be at risk.
Get organized
1) Have a list of local organizations that can give you updated information about the outbreak, healthcare services, and testing centers.
2) Have an emergency contact list that includes your family physician/healthcare provider, family, friends, neighbors, teachers, employers, the local health department, and other community resources in case you need to notify them of your illness.
3) Share all updated information of the outbreak with neighbors through newsletters, mail, calls, or simple informative signs outside your home.
Register
Registering on a telemedicine platform used by your doctor will keep you in direct communication with your doctor instantly, efficiently, and easily without the hassle of commute and wait time at clinics and hospitals. Stay connected and register!
Get supplies
1) Make sure you have enough supplies of medicines like antipyretics (such as Acetaminophen) and decongestants (for example Pseudoephedrine HCL). A reliable thermometer must be available to closely monitor body temperature.
2) Stock up on rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, disinfectant sprays, cleaning supplies, wipes, and tissues.
3) Stock up on groceries, especially dry rations like rice, pasta, flour, canned goods, spices, sauces, etc.
Monitor Symptoms
Keep a close eye on those potentially exposed to a positive case and watch out for a fever, a cough, breathlessness, sensory loss of taste or smell, or body aches. Notify your doctor immediately if symptoms worsen.
Notify
In case you or a member of your household falls sick and tests positive, immediately notify your health care provider, employer, child’s school and teachers, and local county health department.