In my family, there were some doctor visits scheduled for non-essential things (looking at a sore shoulder) and some more-essential things (regarding necessary medications).
We cancelled the non-essential ones, but we are keeping the more-essential ones subject to the following steps.
Family member will:
-- Wear n95 mask from time of exiting car onward.
-- Not rub eyes, pick nose, or touch face during visit.
-- Keep separation from other people as possible.
-- Thoroughly disinfect hands with sanitizer after visit before touching car keys, door handle, etc., or entering car.
-- Once home, take off mask by straps and dispose in outside trash.
-- Disinfect hands again before touching door knob to enter house.
-- Upon entry to house, take off shoes and clothes.
-- Clothes go right into open washing machine.
-- Travel right to location of next step without touching anything else in house.
-- Wash hands and face with soap and water, or better yet take a shower.
-- Put on fresh clothes.
-- Go back and close the washing machine and start it washing.
-- Use alcohol to rub down any credit or medical cards used, then wash hands.
I do some of these steps even for visiting the gas station with no-one else around me, namely:
-- Not rub eyes, pick nose, or touch face during visit.
-- Thoroughly disinfect hands with sanitizer after visit before touching car keys, door handle, etc., or entering car.
-- Disinfect hands again before touching door knob to enter house.
-- Use alcohol to rub down any credit cards used, then wash hands.
Personally I think that for average ventures into the out doors i think you are going a bit overboard. but it if makes you feel safer. Go for it. Especially if you are or are in frequent contact with those at the most risk.
Remember most people will recover and unless you are in one of the effected categories. Your risk of dying is at best remote.
According to the CDC in a report issued 3/21/20 (yesterday)
"While information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild, a report out of China suggests serious illness occurs in 16% of cases. Older people and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions — like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example — seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. A CDC Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report that looked at severity of disease among COVID-19 cases in the United States by age group found that 80% of deaths were among adults 65 years and older with the highest percentage of severe outcomes occurring in people 85 years and older. "
You can read the full report here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.htmlIt is more about not giving it to those people in the listed categories.
For most people all you really need to do is exactly what they are telling you to
I mentioned what hospital protocol is to point out that 95% of the population wont be willing or able to adhere to it especially since everyone is of limited supplies.
Regardless. NJs own State Health Commissioner, Judith Persichilli Whom I know from when she was a high level executive at the same hospital I worked at feels that at some point we will all contract the virus but the very mass majority will have no to very mild symptoms. Judy is a pretty straight shooter. She isnt going to just sing you songs to make or score political points.
You can see an interview with her here. where she does a pretty good job describing all the complexities of the situation. I only use the post website because the NJ.Com insists you turn your adblocker off
https://nypost.com/2020/03/21/top-new-jersey-health-official-judith-persichilli-says-everyone-will-get-coronavirus/It also shows that preparations were underway a lot sooner then most people think. You don't need a president to say "go" to do something.
I digress. Unless you are in the at risk category. All you need to do is what they are suggesting and suggest even during flu season and so few of us follow. Well...now you should actually follow them.
But do whatever makes you feel safer from an emotional standpoint if you feel the need. Just don't horde for yourself supplies that are in dire need elsewhere such as hospitals.
For the record. My own wife just had her test results come in. Simple Bronchitis. while we were waiting. Everyone in the house followed protocol
