advice from a nurse
While I’m over here social distancing in Los Angeles today, I wanted to turn the blog over to a nurse friend in Toronto who has some practical advice on social isolation and quarantine. This was written a little while back and is adapted from a social media post she wrote. Depending where you are in the world — and therefore in the timeline of this crisis — this might be exactly what you need to hear right now, or feel like advice that comes a little late to the game, or maybe feel like a little much. For those of you in the “little much” category, now is the perfect time to adopt these measures. Regardless of your personal timeline in this, there’s lots of good stuff to think about, so please give it a read. She writes:
This is hardcore, people! But we can do this. You can do this!
We have the internet! Books! Games! Toys! Social isolation is seriously how we fight this invisible enemy. We have to do better and Lord knows, if I can do it, you can do it.
A month ago in Italy, there were fewer than 300 cases. Today, they added nearly 5,000 new cases and 743 deaths. They waited too long to start this stuff.
I am certainly not an expert in pandemic planning. These are my opinions and some of them may even be outdated by the time I post them. But I am being asked a lot of the same questions and here are some of my thoughts:
1) Is it OK for me to Travel?
No. If you haven’t gotten the message yet: Now is not the time to travel. Don’t!
2) If I have travelled and I am now under two weeks social isolation, what do I do?
Well, quarantine means quarantine. You must assume you are infected and could pass it on, so it is your job to stay inside and sit on your couch. Order in your groceries (or get a kind soul to deliver your goods to you). They should drop and ditch those, not stand and chat.
Technically speaking, you should not leave your house or apartment if you’re under isolation, so you should not even go outside for a walk. However, I realize a lot of people won’t do this and so, in the interest of harm reduction, here is my suggestion: If you must venture outside, first wash your hands, then keep to yourself. Opt for a less travelled route. Do not go into stores, or stop to chat to the neighbors.
It is more straightforward to go out if you live in a house because you can get outside without touching anything that others need to share. If you live in a building, this is tougher because being in public spaces -- hallways, staircases, elevators – puts you at risk of infecting others.
To help manage that risk, only get into the elevator when it’s empty. If you have a surgical mask, put it on. Use disinfecting wipes, or at least a clean paper towel to touch door handles and elevator buttons. Take a few with you and do not reuse them. Once outside, avoid people. Do not go in stores or stop to play at a playground.
3) If I am not quarantined but want to be a good citizen by socially isolating myself and my family, what do I do?
You must limit what you do, who you see, and where you go -- drastically. Basically, limit your physical social circle to your immediate roommates. You can go outside and exercise, but see tips on how to leave your residence, above.
Reduce your household’s outings to get food and medicine and only go when you really, really need something. You do not need that Grey Poupon today. At most, send one person per household per week. If you have seniors in your life, (that’s people over 60), offer to do their shopping at the same time. Again, no chatting at the door.
Social isolation means social isolation. That’s no play dates, dinner parties, meetings, or gatherings. If you must see people, do it outside and with each person six- to 10-feet apart, and no more than eight people total.
4) What about work?
If you have the option to work from home, do that. If you don’t have that option, thank you! You are likely an essential service — a sanitation worker, grocery clerk, cleaner, or gas attendant.
My advice is for you is to wash your hands constantly. Reduce the interactions you have with others by limiting your group conversations to four or less. Spread out when chatting. Don’t touch your face. Stay home if you feel sick. Wipe down surfaces -- phones, cash registers, everything -- and do it a lot.
5) What else can I do for myself?
Exercise! Do get out for a walk in the woods (just don’t stop to chat with anyone else). Do a yoga video or meditation video. There is a lot of stuff on YouTube. Do an exercise a day: just three reps of 12, even, but do something. Also, sleep and drink water -- lots of it. Wash your hands. Air out your house once a day (open the windows). Wipe down surfaces daily with disinfectant, vinegar or bleach and water.
6) What about the kids?
This is going to go on for some time, so create a routine now. And be kind to yourself. Don’t feel bad if your kids are on the screen for too long right now. Try to incorporate educational screen time but, seriously folks, we are in survival mode. Do what you gotta do to stay mentally healthy and sane. Suggestions include suduko, crosswords, teaching kids how to sew on a button, do a dance contest, organize your spice rack, make a photo book online, do a daily craft, keep a journal.
7) How long do we need to do this?
It’s going to go on for awhile and we have to keep doing this. I know many of you are thinking, “Maybe I can just see so and so...?” NO! Don’t go there. Don’t loosen your restrictions of social isolation.
Finally, it’s not an easy time for any of us these days, but for healthcare workers and their families, I think I can say on behalf of most that it is an extremely stressful time. I am in awe of all my colleagues from past and present. They are all rising to the occasion. They are all amazing and I’m so proud to know them, and yes to be a part of this group. We do need and appreciate your shout-outs, so if you know healthcare workers in your circle, give them a virtual thumbs-up. It will mean a lot.
