By Amir Mohammad
Your Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
It has been several weeks since the declaration of the statewide emergency and the closure of schools and nonessential businesses. The southwestern part of the state – especially Fairfield county – has become a “hot spot” for the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, no specific drugs or vaccines are available and healthcare systems are being overwhelmed.
Community transmission across the state is widespread as the healthcare facilities and providers are testing more patients. Local health departments are being regularly notified about positive cases of COVID-19.
Community mitigation requires self-isolation and social distancing. These steps will significantly decrease the person-to-person transmission of virus. I want to provide further guidance to help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
I strongly recommend that all residents should take the following steps to protect themselves and others.
If you were in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you must:
- Stay home and self-monitor for 14 days; don’t resume work.
- Avoid having people (friends, family, coworkers) over to your home.
- Practice good respiratory hygiene, including washing hands frequently and avoiding touching your face.
- Frequently clean high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, counters, bathroom fixtures and bedside tables.
- Avoid public places or activities that bring you in close contact with others (close contact means within six feet of another person for more than 15 minutes).
- If you must go out for emergency reasons (groceries, medications refills), cover your face (cloth mask, scarf), clean the handle of the cart, and wash your hands for 20 seconds afterwards.
- Be aware of scam phone calls related to COVID-19; do not give any personal information or donations over the phone.
- Always follow the guidance from the official sources like the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control, or the town’s website. Avoid fake news and rumors from social media outlets.
You should be self-monitoring your health by:
- Checking your temperature each morning and evening, about the same time every day.
- Closely monitoring for signs of fever, chills, cough or difficulty breathing.
If you develop a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately:
- Stay home and avoid direct contact with household members and others.
- Call your medical provider and follow their recommendations.
- If you need to be transported by ambulance, let the dispatcher know that you have been exposed to a person with laboratory confirmed COVID-19.
People with underlying health conditions like chronic kidney disease, heart disease (uncontrolled blood pressure, stroke, heart attack), chronic lung disease (asthma, COPD), diabetes, former smokers, and those with cancer are at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19.
If you have conditions such as those listed above and are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, then you should immediately contact your health care provider.
Stay safe, stay home, and keep praying.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the Health Director for the Town of Orange.