Pass the pretzels - I mean the hand sanitizer - please

By Gemma Downham, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, epidemiologist and corporate director, Patient Safety and Infection Prevention, AtlantiCare

As we have continued to experience throughout the pandemic, even small gatherings in which people think they are safe and practicing precautions, can and do lead to people getting the virus.

With the surge in COVID-19 cases nationally and in our area, there are steps you can and should take to keep yourself and others safe this Labor Day weekend.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended this week that those who are not vaccinated refrain from travelling. This is so important. Most of our patients who are sick enough with COVID that they need to be hospitalized were not vaccinated.

Regardless of your vaccination status, carefully consider how you will celebrate this weekend and always.

Even if you are vaccinated, you can spread the virus and catch the virus, though your risk is much less than if you were unvaccinated.

Symptoms of COVID can be so subtle that sometimes people dismiss them – assuming they have allergies or another health issue. Often, they don’t think or know they have COVID.

If you are around others, wear a mask that is at least two layers of cloth or a disposable mask. Make sure it fits tightly around your face and over the bridge of your nose.

Wash your hands often.

Always carry hand sanitizer with you.

If you are the host, place hand sanitizers on tables and in common areas and be sure to have soap and paper hand towels in bathrooms.

Spend time outdoors rather than indoors if possible. If you are indoors, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and that you keep windows open.

Dipping your hands into chips and dip or reaching into a bowl of pretzels is never a good idea. During COVID this is especially true. Use serving spoons or tongs and practice hand hygiene before serving food. If your friend says, “You’ve got to take a sip of my iced tea,” politely decline. Individuals have told us that they believe sharing alcoholic drinks is safe. It is not.

If you are a host – try to prepare single servings.

Spread out to prevent spread. Maintain at least six feet from others where possible.

Refrain for socializing or being around others if you are sick or you are not feeling well or if a member of your household or another close contact is sick. Refrain from putting off care. Call your healthcare provider if you are not feeling well. AtlantiCare offers primary, urgent, and specialty care visits both in person and through telehealth. Quarantine as your healthcare provider advices you.

Speak up. If you’re declining an invitation or choosing not to host your annual Labor Day get-together, be honest with friends and family about why you’re declining and invitation or choosing not to host your annual Labor Day get-together.

Share your expectations with loved ones, family and friends. If a friend is wearing her mask below her nose, or around her neck, tell her privately that the mask works only when covering the person’s nose and mouth.

Ask about vaccination status. Encourage those who are not vaccinated to get the vaccine.

I know it can be uncomfortable to do this.

You might want to ask family members or friends to help you make signs similar to what you might have seen in restaurants, healthcare settings, schools and other public and private locations. They could include requests to kindly wear a mask, wash hands and use hand sanitizer, and respectfully practice social distancing.

Most importantly, if you or a child in your life is not vaccinated against COVID, please get the vaccine. It is widely available in our community.