Last Updated on October 28, 2020
With no vaccine available to prevent infection from COVID-19, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Our friends at Florida Blue Medicare have put together these helpful tips for keeping you and your loved ones safe.
•Per the CDC, practice physical distancing by staying out of crowded places and maintaining distance from others when possible, further than six feet away is recommended.
•Adults over 60 are encouraged to self-isolate as much as possible, which means staying home and not going to restaurants or bars, church services or crowded supermarkets. If you must go out, try to go at off hours and not linger.
•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Also, wash them after you touch things in public (elevator buttons, doorknobs, etc.).
•If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
•Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
•Surgical masks should be reserved for caregivers, health care personnel and people with symptoms and under suspicion for COVID-19. As of now, masks are not covered by Florida Blue health plans.
•Ensure you have enough nonperishable food for a week or so in case you get sick.
•Follow government travel restrictions.
For all of the COVID-19 resources Florida Blue Medicare has available visit floridabluemedicare.com/covid19