If the COVID-19 global pandemic has you feeling stressed, anxious, sad, scared and other difficult emotions, you are far from alone. This is definitely a challenging time, and it can be easy to feel helpless about the entire situation. You have probably read or seen news stories about how the virus is surging in some areas of the country and this has you understandably concerned.
Here is some good news: there are a number of proactive steps that you can take that will not only protect your family but will give you a much-needed sense of control:
Create a Quarantine Plan
If a member of your household begins to feel ill, it is wise to separate that person from the rest of the family—at least until his or her COVID-19 test comes back negative or, if he or she has the virus, until full recovery takes place. Now, when everyone is healthy, it is wise to get your quarantine room ready to go.
For instance, the CDC recommends choosing a space in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from others. Ideally, this room will have its own bathroom, like a master with an en suite, or if possible, the person should have exclusive access to another bathroom.
If the room does not currently have a television, DVD player, video game system, computer and/or other technology that may be used to pass the time during quarantine, consider putting those things into the room now.
Stock Up on Masks
To protect yourself and others from the coronavirus, it is recommended that you wear a face covering when you go out in public. Some cities, counties and/or states are starting to mandate this important safety precaution. Cloth masks should be washed every day, so it is a good idea for each member of your family to have several on hand.
Depending on where you live, you might find local stores that are selling cloth masks, or you can order some online from a place like Red Bubble; on the website, you can choose from colorful and whimsical patterns as well as designs inspired by your favorite TV shows like “Bob’s Burgers,” “Game of Thrones” and more.
Wash Those Hands
Many times throughout the day, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, prior to preparing food, if you sneeze or cough into your hands or have returned from running errands.
As Coronavirus.DC.gov notes, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands—especially your eyes, nose and mouth. To encourage extra sanitation, keep pump bottles of hand sanitizer around your home. Look for alcohol-based brands that contain at least 60 percent alcohol, and use disinfecting wipes to clean counters, remote controls, doorknobs, keys and other frequently-touched items in your home.
Be Sure Your Health Insurance Offers Great Coverage
While you probably don’t want to think about a beloved family member becoming ill, it is still wise to double check your health insurance coverage. In case there is some type of medical emergency—either during the COVID-19 crisis or years down the line—being knowledgeable about your plan can save you a lot of stress.
If you discover that your plan has very high deductibles and a lot of rules and regulations about who you can see, you can use your time at home to look into other options. For instance, depending on your age, you might look into Medicare or related choices. To help you to compare plans, check out the Anthem.
This user-friendly website makes comparing Medicare Advantage plans easy and informative, and will help you to make the best choice regarding this important topic.
We Will Get Through This
It may seem like the coronavirus will never end, but one day we will be past this crisis. For now, focus on what you can accomplish and what you can do proactively, including organizing a quarantine space, having masks and plenty of soap and sanitizers on hand, and educating yourself about your health insurance policy—all of which will help to protect your family.
