Deciding to go out? Protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions

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With communities and businesses opening, you may be looking for safe ways to regain some pre-COVID-19 normalcy.

While there is no way to guarantee zero risk of infection, it's important to understand the potential risks and how to adopt different types of prevention methods to protect yourself and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In general, the more closely you interact with others for a long period of time, the higher risk of COVID-19 infection.

So, think about:

  • How many people with you interact with?
  • Can you keep six feet of space between you and others? Will you be outdoors or indoors?
  • What's the length of time that you will be interacting with people?

What to consider before you go

Asking these questions can help determine your level of risk.

Is COVID-19 spreading in my community?

Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus to view the latest COVID-19 information and a map of states with reported COVID-19 Infections

What are the local orders in my community?

Review updates from your local health department to better understand the situation in your community and what local orders are in place in your community.

Will my activity put me in close contact with others?

  • Choose outdoor activities and places where it's easy to stay six feet apart, like parks and open-air facilities.
  • Look for physical barriers, like plexiglass screens or modified layouts, that help you keep your distance from others.
  • Use visual reminders - like signs, chair arrangements, markings on the floor, or arrows - to help remind you to keep your distance from others.

Am I at risk for severe illness?

Older adults and people of any age with a serious underlying medical condition might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. While the risk for severe illness is lower for others, everyone faces some risk of illness.

Do I live with someone who is at risk for severe illness?

If you live with older adults or someone with certain underlying medical conditions, then you and all family members should take extra precautions to minimize risk.

Will I share any items, equipment, or tools with other people?

Choose places where there is limited sharing of items and where any items that are shared are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses.

Will I need to take public transportation to get to the activity?

Does my activity require travel to another community? Is COVID-19 spreading in that community?

If you decide to engage in public activities, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions.

Items to have on hand

  • A cloth face covering
  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, if possible

While it's important to understand your level of risk when deciding to go out, do not wait to seek medical care. Delaying care in the event of a medical emergency could result in serious or permanent damage to your health.

 

Experiencing symptoms?

Think you may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19? Call your primary care provider. If you are having trouble breathing, go to your nearest emergency room.

Safe care at McLaren

For more information on how McLaren is keeping you safe when you need care, visit mclaren.org/safecare.

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