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Impact of COVID-19 on Migrants and refugees
( A WHO study)
Canada's 37.7 million population consists of 22 % migrants as refugees from many countries such as Sri Lankan, Syria, Afghan. Iraq. Iran and North African countries. 40% of Canada’s popuation live in the province of Ontrario out of which 46.2% consists of magrants . The Canadian government is very generous in providing financial assistance ,housing health service, free other benefits to them to get them gradually integrated with the main population. The first issue is for them to overcome language and cultural barriers. The second issue for them to get used to living in the Canadian cold climate. The migrants who have skills could quickly start their owb business or find jobs.
Migrants and refugees say COVID-19 has dramatically worsened their lives
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a highly negative impact on the living and working conditions of refugees and migrants, reveals a new WHO study, launched today on International Migrants Day.
More than 30,000 refugees and migrants from different regions around the world participated in the first-ever survey to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental and physical health and their ability to work and support themselves. They were asked to grade the effect on a scale from 0 (nothing at all) to 10 (extreme). The average impact assessment reported was 7.5.
"Refugees and migrants live and work in often-harsh conditions with inadequate access to health, housing, water, sanitation, and other basic services," says WHO Director-General. "It is vital for all countries to reduce barriers that prevent refugees and migrants from obtaining health care, and from including them in national health policies."
More than half the respondents across different parts of the world say that COVID-19 brought about a greater level of depression, fear, anxiety, and loneliness. One in five also talked about a deterioration of mental health and increased use of drugs and alcohol.
Limited access to information due to language and cultural barriers, coupled with refugees and migrant communities' marginalization, place them amongst the hardest to reach populations when information is disseminated.
Undocumented migrants are often excluded from national health programs or social protection schemes that could facilitate access to health and social services. Many do not seek health care, including COVID-19, due to financial constraints or fear of deportation.
The report underlines the need and importance of including refugees and migrants in inclusive policy responses to COVID-19. The aim is to draw on the survey findings to expand research and evidence gathering from across the world to better understand how the pandemic has created increasingly difficult living conditions for refugees and migrants.
( A WHO study)
Canada's 37.7 million population consists of 22 % migrants as refugees from many countries such as Sri Lankan, Syria, Afghan. Iraq. Iran and North African countries. 40% of Canada’s popuation live in the province of Ontrario out of which 46.2% consists of magrants . The Canadian government is very generous in providing financial assistance ,housing health service, free other benefits to them to get them gradually integrated with the main population. The first issue is for them to overcome language and cultural barriers. The second issue for them to get used to living in the Canadian cold climate. The migrants who have skills could quickly start their owb business or find jobs.
Migrants and refugees say COVID-19 has dramatically worsened their lives
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a highly negative impact on the living and working conditions of refugees and migrants, reveals a new WHO study, launched today on International Migrants Day.
More than 30,000 refugees and migrants from different regions around the world participated in the first-ever survey to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental and physical health and their ability to work and support themselves. They were asked to grade the effect on a scale from 0 (nothing at all) to 10 (extreme). The average impact assessment reported was 7.5.
"Refugees and migrants live and work in often-harsh conditions with inadequate access to health, housing, water, sanitation, and other basic services," says WHO Director-General. "It is vital for all countries to reduce barriers that prevent refugees and migrants from obtaining health care, and from including them in national health policies."
More than half the respondents across different parts of the world say that COVID-19 brought about a greater level of depression, fear, anxiety, and loneliness. One in five also talked about a deterioration of mental health and increased use of drugs and alcohol.
Limited access to information due to language and cultural barriers, coupled with refugees and migrant communities' marginalization, place them amongst the hardest to reach populations when information is disseminated.
Undocumented migrants are often excluded from national health programs or social protection schemes that could facilitate access to health and social services. Many do not seek health care, including COVID-19, due to financial constraints or fear of deportation.
The report underlines the need and importance of including refugees and migrants in inclusive policy responses to COVID-19. The aim is to draw on the survey findings to expand research and evidence gathering from across the world to better understand how the pandemic has created increasingly difficult living conditions for refugees and migrants.
ABOUT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
WHAT IT IS
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some can infect animals, and some can infect humans. COVID-19 is a new disease caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 ) that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020.
Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are often similar to other illnesses.
SPREAD
Coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
• respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands
These viruses are not known to spread through ventilation systems or through water.
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS
If you have symptoms of COVID-19:
• stay home (isolate) to avoid spreading it to others
if you live with others, stay in a separate room or keep a 2-metre distance
• call ahead before you visit a health care professional or call your local public health authority
tell them your symptoms and follow their instructions if you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and tell them your symptoms
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of COVID-19 can:
• take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus
• be very mild or more serious
• vary from person to person
PREVENTION
The best way to prevent the spread of infections is to:
• practice physical distancing at all times
• stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others
• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands
• avoid close contact with people who are sick
• when coughing or sneezing:
o cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues to reduce the spread of germs
o immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards
o clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys, electronic devices and doorknobs
• wear a non-medical mask or face covering (i.e. constructed to completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping, and secured to the head by ties or ear loops) to protect the people and surfaces around you
PHYSICAL DISTANCING: HOW TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other. Physical distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. With patience and cooperation, we can all do our part.
What does physical distancing mean?
This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:
• avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
• avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
• keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible
Remember to:
• wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face
• cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm
• avoid touching surfaces people touch often
• self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including:
o cough
o fever
o difficulty breathing
Here’s how you ca practice physical distancing:
• greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug
• stay home as much as possible, including for meals and entertainment
• grocery shop once per week
• take public transportation during off-peak hours
• conduct virtual meetings
• host virtual playdates for tour kids
• use technology to keep in touch with friends and family
If possible,
• use food delivery services or online shopping
• exercise at home or outside
• work from home
If you are concerned you may have COVID-19:
• separate yourself from others as soon as you have symptoms
• if you are outside the home when a symptom develops, go home immediately
and avoid taking public transit
• stay home and follow the advice of your Public Health Authority,
who may recommend isolation
• call ahead to a health care provider if you are ill and seeking medical attention
NOTE: Some people may transmit COVID-19 even though they do not show any symptoms. In situations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, wearing a non-medical mask or face covering (i.e. made with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric, constructed to completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping, and secured to the head by ties or ear loops) provides a barrier between your respiratory droplets and the people and surfaces around you. It may also stop you from touching your nose or mouth, which is another way the virus can get into your body.
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19): HOW TO QUARANTINE (SELF-ISOLATE) AT HOME WHEN YOU MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED AND HAVE NO SYMPTOMS
People with COVID-19 do not always recognize their early symptoms. Even if you do not have symptoms now, it is possible to transmit COVID-19 before you start showing symptoms or without ever developing symptoms.
You need to quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days if, you:
are returning from travel outside of Canada (mandatory quarantine)*
• had close contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19
• have been told by public health that you may have been exposed and need to quarantine (self-isolate)
Quarantine (self-isolate) means that, for 14 days you need to:
• stay at home and monitor yourself for symptoms, even just one mild symptom
• avoid contact with other people to help prevent transmission of the virus prior to developing symptoms or at the earliest stage of illness
• do your part to prevent the spread of disease by practicing physical distancing in your home
If you start to develop symptoms within 14 days of your quarantine, you must:
• isolate yourself from others as soon as you notice your first symptom
• immediately call a health care professional or public health authority to discuss your symptoms and travel history, and follow their instructions carefully
You can also use the online self-assessment tool (if available in your province or territory) to determine if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
Note: If you are living with a person who is isolated because they have or are suspected to have COVID-19, your self-isolation period may be extended beyond 14 days. Seek direction from your public health authority.
To quarantine (self-isolate), take the following measures:
LIMIT CONTACT WITH OTHERS
• Stay at home or the place you are staying in Canada (do not leave your property).
• Only leave your home for medically necessary appointments (use private transportation for this purpose).
• Do not go to school, work, other public areas or use public transportation (e.g., buses, taxis).
• Do not have visitors.
• Avoid contact with older adults, or those with medical conditions, who are at a higher risk of developing serious illness.
• Avoid contact with others, especially those who have not travelled or been exposed to the virus.
• If contact cannot be avoided, take the following precautions:
o keep at least 2 metres between yourself and the other person
o keep interactions brief
o stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom, if possible
• Some people may transmit COVID-19 even though they do not show any symptoms. Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering (i.e., constructed to completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping, and secured to the head by ties or ear loops) if close contact with others cannot be avoided, can help protect those around you.
• Avoid contact with animals, as there have been several reports of people transmitting COVID-19 to their pets.
THINGS YOU CAN DO WHILE IN QUARANTINE (SELF-ISOLATION)
While keeping a physical distance of 2 metres from others, you can:
• greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug
• ask family, a neighbour or friend to help with essential errands (e.g., picking up prescriptions, buying groceries)
• use food delivery services or online shopping
• exercise at home
• use technology, such as video calls, to keep in touch with family and friends through online dinners and games
• work from home
• on your own property only: go outside on your balcony or deck, walk in your yard or get creative by drawing chalk art or running back yard obstacle courses and games
KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and dry with disposable paper towels or dry reusable towel, replacing it when it becomes wet.
• You can also remove dirt with a wet wipe and then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm or into a tissue.
KEEP SURFACES CLEAN AND AVOID SHARING PERSONAL ITEMS
• At least once daily, clean and disinfect surfaces that you touch often, like toilets, bedside tables, doorknobs, phones and television remotes.
• To disinfect, use only approved hard-surface disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is an 8-digit number given by Health Canada that confirms
the disinfectant product is approved and safe for use in Canada
• When approved hard surface disinfectants are not available, for household disinfection, a diluted bleach solution can be prepared in accordance with the instructions on the label, or in a ratio of 5 millilitres (mL) of bleach per 250 mL of water OR 20 mL of bleach per litre of water. This ratio is based on bleach containing 5% sodium hypochlorite, to give a 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Follow instructions for proper handling of household (chlorine) bleach.
• f If they can withstand the use of liquids for disinfection, high-touch electronic devices (e.g., keyboards, touch screens) may be disinfected with 70% alcohol at least daily.
• f Do not share personal items with others, such as toothbrushes, towels, bed linen, non-medical masks or face coverings, utensils or electronic devices. MONITOR YOURSELF FOR SYMPTOMS
• Monitor yourself for symptoms, particularly fever and respiratory symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
• Take and record your temperature daily (or as directed by your public health authority) and avoid using fever-reducing medications (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen) as much as possible. These medications could mask an early symptom of COVID-19.WORK-RELATED TRAVEL FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS
• Certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and essential services , or individuals who receive or provide other essential services to Canadians, are exempt from needing to quarantine (self-isolate) due to travel outside of Canada, as long as they are asymptomatic (do not have symptoms of COVID-19).
• They must:
• practise physical (social) distancing
• self-monitor for symptoms (if you develop a symptom, follow the instructions of your local public health authority)
• stay in your place of residence as much as possible.
• If you have been instructed by public health to quarantine for any other reason (for example, you have been in close contact with a case), inform your local public health authority of your status as an essential worker and follow their directions.
• We can all do our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19
* QUARANTINE ACT
The Government of Canada has implemented an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires persons entering Canada—whether by air, sea or land—to quarantine (self-isolate) themselves for 14 days if they are asymptomatic in order to limit the introduction and spread of COVID-19. The 14-day period begins on the day the person enters Canada.
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AND COVID-19
While diseases can make anyone sick, some Canadians are more at risk of getting an infection and developing severe complications due to their health, social and economic circumstances.
Organizations, staff and volunteers play an important role in helping to prevent these populations from getting or spreading the COVID-19 virus. Start by sharing simple things they can do to help keep themselves and others healthy, guide them to help if they develop any signs and symptoms and learn ways help care for sick clients recovering from COVID-19.
Vulnerable populations may include:
Anyone who is:
• an older adult
• at risk due to underlying medical conditions (e.g. heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer)
• at risk due to a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment (e.g. chemotherapy)
Anyone who has:
• difficulty reading, speaking, understanding or communicating
• difficulty accessing medical care or health advice
• difficulty doing preventive activities, like frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes
• ongoing specialized medical care or needs specific medical supplies
• ongoing supervision needs or support for maintaining independence
• difficulty accessing transportation
• economic barriers
• unstable employment or inflexible working conditions
• social or geographic isolation, like in remote and isolated communities
• insecure, inadequate, or nonexistent housing conditions
How organizations can support vulnerable populations during COVID-19 outbreaks
Take the time to learn the facts:
• Know more about COVID-19 by visiting canada.ca/coronavirus
• Keep up-to-date about the current situation in your community.
• Contact local, provincial, territorial public health officials to get relevant COVID-19 information, resources and guidance.
Take time to get prepared:
• Review your business continuity plan so you and your staff know what to do.
• Plan ahead for potential disruptions.
• Identify and plan how to continue providing the most critical services.
• Partner with organizations that provide similar services to share resources and strategies.
• Be prepared to answer questions from staff, volunteers, and clients.
• Consider stockpiling general supplies and cleaning supplies.
• Prepare for shelters and communal space limitations.
Educate staff about ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Increasing access to hand hygiene and cough etiquette supplies (e.g., alcohol-based hand rub, soap, paper towels, tissues, waste containers).
• Cleaning frequently used spaces, surfaces and objects (kitchens, common areas, dining areas, desks, shared sleeping spaces, doorknobs, and faucets).
• Maintain physical distancing, keeping at least 2 metres from other people.
• Staying home when sick.
• Avoiding the use of shared personal items.
• Sharing information about what to do if staff or a client shows symptoms of becoming sick.
• Sharing steps about how to care for and isolate people living in a crowded facility (including the use of separate washrooms, if available).
• Sharing information about how to care for People with Disabilities.
• Sharing information about providing services for people experiencing homelessness.
PEOPLE WHO ARE AT HIGH RISK FOR SEVERE ILLNESS FROM COVID-19
While COVID-19 can make anyone sick, some Canadians are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes because of their age or if they have other medical conditions. If you are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes, you can take action to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.
Who is at risk of more severe disease or outcomes?
• › Older adults (increasing risk with each decade, especially over 60 years)
• › People of any age with chronic medical conditions including:
• Lung disease
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) • Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Dementia
• Stroke
• › People of any age who are immunocompromised , including those:
• With an underlying medical condition (e.g., cancer)
• Taking medications that lower the immune system (e.g., chemotherapy)
• › People living with obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)
Be prepared
› Learn about COVID-19 and stay informed by visiting canada.ca/coronavirus.
› Visit your provincial/territorial and municipal health websites to keep up to date about COVID-19 in your community.
› Stock up on the supplies you would need if you were to have to stay home for a few weeks, such as groceries, pet food, and cleaning and disinfecting products.
› Talk with your health care provider about how to protect yourself and ensure you have enough of your prescribed medications and medical supplies.
› Prepare to stay connected with others by phone or email. › Ask family, a neighbour or friend to help with essential errands (e.g., picking up prescriptions, buying groceries).
› Identify which services are available to deliver food or medications to your home.
› Monitor yourself for symptoms.
How to reduce your risk of COVID-19
› If possible, only leave your home for medically necessary appointments.
› Stay away from people who are sick.
› Avoid contact with others, especially those who have travelled or been exposed to the virus.
› If contact cannot be avoided, take the following precautions:
• keep at least 2 metres between yourself and the other people
• give a friendly wave instead of a handshake, kiss or hug
• keep interactions brief
• Clean hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes and/or food with your hands.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when you are outside of your home.
• Avoid touching high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails and elevator buttons in public places.
• › If you need to touch surfaces in public places, use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand.
• › At least once daily, clean and disinfect surfaces that you touch often, like toilets, bedside tables, doorknobs, phones and television remotes.
• › To disinfect, use only approved hard-surface disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is an 8-digit number given by Health Canada that confirms the disinfectant product is approved and safe for use in Canada.
• › When approved hard surface disinfectants are not available for household disinfection, a diluted bleach solution can be prepared in accordance with the instructions on the label, or in a ratio of 5 millilitres (mL) of bleach per 250 mL of water OR 20 mL of bleach per litre of water. This ratio is based on bleach containing 5% sodium hypochlorite, to give a 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Follow instructions for proper handling of household (chlorine) bleach.
• › If they can withstand the use of liquids for disinfection, high-touch electronic devices (e.g., keyboards, touch screens) may be disinfected with 70% alcohol at
least daily.
• › Remind others who are sick, or may have been exposed to the virus, to stay away.
• › Avoid crowds and large gatherings.
• › Avoid cruises and non-essential travel outside of Canada.
What to do if you get a symptom of COVID-19
› Symptoms of COVID-19 can:
• take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus
• be very mild or more serious
• vary from person to person
› If you develop a symptom, stay home and call your health care provider or local public health unit and tell them about your symptoms.
› Always call ahead before going to see a health provider or health care facility so that they can keep others from being exposed.
› The following symptoms should be considered urgent:
• significant difficulty breathing (e.g., can’t catch breath, gasping)
• chest pain or pressure
• new confusion or difficulty waking up
If you develop these urgent symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency help line and inform them that you may have COVID-19 and are at high risk for complications
Caring for a COVID-19 patient at home
For more than 100 years, nurses and other health care workers have followed basic steps to take care of people with contagious diseases, while protecting themselves from infections.
If someone you live with has COVID-19 symptoms but isn’t sick enough to need a hospital, now it’s your turn to provide “supportive care” while protecting your health.
Here are 14 ways how:
1. Pick a ‘sick room’: The sick person should stay in a bedroom with a door if at all possible, and not come out except to go to the bathroom. No one else should spend time in that room more than absolutely necessary. Children and pets should stay out. Keep a window open in the sick room if possible, to keep air circulating. Provide tissues.
If you don’t have more than one bedroom, give them the bedroom, and you can sleep on the couch or other temporary spot like an inflatable mattress, so you can still use the living room, kitchen and other spaces while they stay in their room.
2. Pick a ‘sick bathroom’: If you have two bathrooms, make one of them the sick person’s bathroom, and don’t let anyone else use it. If you don’t have two, you’re going to have to clean every surface they touch after they go to the bathroom, so it’s clean when you or other people you live with need to use it. (see cleaning tips below.) And don’t share water cups.
3. Help them track their symptoms: Have them take their temperature several times a day, without getting close to them. Write down the readings, and note when new symptoms occur.
4. Help them hydrate: Make sure they’re drinking a lot of water and other non-alcoholic clear liquids.
5. Ease their symptoms: Help them understand how often they can take medicine to reduce their fever, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. (Michigan Medicine physicians have reviewed the evidence about these medications and others that have been in the news for COVID-19; see more information here.) Make sure the sick person understands how much to take – read the label on the bottle and follow it. If they have a bad cough, help them understand how much cough medicine to take and when.
Don’t let them take more than the recommended dose of any medicine, or use alcohol when taking a medicine that advises against it. Keep track of what the sick person has taken and when.
Make sure they keep taking any other medicines they would usually take, unless their doctor has told them to stop.
6. Keep them comfortable and entertained, while keeping your distance: Make sure they have blankets and pillows, books, magazines, and a computer or TV to pass the time, and a charger for their phone near their bed, so you don’t have to go in and out of the room. Keep the house or apartment quiet so they can sleep.
7. Help them with food, but keep your distance: Find a tray or cookie sheet that you can use to bring them food or drinks when they need it.
If they can get out of bed: Put the food and drinks on the tray, and place it outside their closed door. Walk away. They can open the door, get the tray, eat in their room, and then put the tray back on the floor outside the door and close it.
If they can’t get out of bed: Wear a mask or cloth over your mouth and nose when you go in their room, and have them cover theirs too. Bring their food and drink to their bedside table, and go back after a while to pick it up again, wearing a mask or cloth again. Wash their dishes thoroughly with hot water and soap. Don’t touch your face after handling their dishes, and wash your hands thoroughly after you touch anything they ate or drank from.
8. Keep their laundry separate: Bring changes of clothes and pajamas to them if they’re not already in the sick room. Get your clothes out of the sick room if they’re usually stored there.
Make sure they have a basket, hamper or bag in the sick room to put clothes, towels, washcloths and bedding in. Have them put it outside their door when it’s full, or wear a mask or cloth over your mouth and nose when you go in to get it. Wash their clothes, towels and bedding separately from anyone else’s.
9. Clean, clean, clean: Go through your entire home and use disinfectant spray or wipes to clean everything the sick person might have touched when they were in the early stages of getting sick, or when they were contagious before developing symptoms.
This includes tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, handles on cabinets and refrigerators, desks, toilets, sinks, computer keyboards and mice, tablets, and more. Wash things they wore or used in the days before you isolated them in the ‘sick room.’
SEE ALSO: Viruses Live on Doorknobs and Phones and Can Get You Sick – Smart Cleaning and Good Habits Can Help Protect You
10. Say no to visitors: You shouldn’t be having guests over anyway, or people working inside your home. If you have to see someone in person, do it outside your home, preferably outdoors, and stay at least six feet away from them. If they’re bringing you something, ask them to put it down and step away so you can pick it up.
11. Use technology to connect: It may seem silly to do a video chat or voice call with someone in the next room, but it can give the sick person human contact with you, your children or pets, and others in the home, without spreading the virus. Make sure they can connect virtually with others, too – including relatives, friends, coworkers and faith organizations. This can ease the awfulness of being sick and stuck in one room.
12. Stay home yourself: Now that you and others in your home have had contact with someone who has or might have COVID-19, you could carry the virus with you to work or the store, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Tell your boss you have someone in your home with symptoms, and ask if this means you should stay home or wear a mask at work. Plan to order delivery from restaurants and grocery stores, or ask friends or family if they are able to shop for you, and leave the items outside your front door. If those options aren't available, wear a mask over your mouth and nose and make as few trips as possible.
If you have a yard, garden, patio, balcony or porch, spend time there to get outdoors, but stay six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
13. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or moral support: It’s OK to let friends, neighbors and family know that someone you live with is sick, and to seek and accept their help while not letting them near the sick person. You don’t have to tell your whole social media network, but at least tell a few people you can rely on. They can bring you supplies from the ‘outside world’ and leave them on your doorstep, or ship them to you. They can walk your dog, though you should wipe down the leash first.
Don’t forget that you need emotional support and connection to help you get through your time as a COVID-19 caregiver. As the nation works to fight the spread of the virus, and care for the sick, we’re all affected in some way. But connecting with one another in safe ways can help us cope.
14. After they’re better: Someone who has had COVID-19, whether they got tested or not, should stay home and away from others until they meet the following criteria: As of July 2, 2020, CDC guidelines state that if you think or know someone has had COVID-19, they can be with others only after they’ve been fever-free, without medication, for three days AND their respiratory symptoms have improved (this includes coughing or shortness of breath) AND it has been 10 days since their symptoms first appeared. The CDC also states that people who have been around someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after that exposure.
Afterward, you, and they, should do a thorough cleaning of the ‘sick room’, including wiping down all hard surfaces, washing bedding including blankets, and vacuuming.
For more about caring for someone with known or suspected COVID-19, and for CDC guidelines for asymptomatic carriers, those who are immunocompromised (have weakened immune systems) and those who think they have been exposed to the coronavirus, visit the CDC’s website.
Caring for a COVID-19 patient at home
For more than 100 years, nurses and other health care workers have followed basic steps to take care of people with contagious diseases, while protecting themselves from infections.
If someone you live with has COVID-19 symptoms but isn’t sick enough to need a hospital, now it’s your turn to provide “supportive care” while protecting your health.
Here are 14 ways how:
1. Pick a ‘sick room’: The sick person should stay in a bedroom with a door if at all possible, and not come out except to go to the bathroom. No one else should spend time in that room more than absolutely necessary. Children and pets should stay out. Keep a window open in the sick room if possible, to keep air circulating. Provide tissues.
If you don’t have more than one bedroom, give them the bedroom, and you can sleep on the couch or other temporary spot like an inflatable mattress, so you can still use the living room, kitchen and other spaces while they stay in their room.
2. Pick a ‘sick bathroom’: If you have two bathrooms, make one of them the sick person’s bathroom, and don’t let anyone else use it. If you don’t have two, you’re going to have to clean every surface they touch after they go to the bathroom, so it’s clean when you or other people you live with need to use it. (see cleaning tips below.) And don’t share water cups.
3. Help them track their symptoms: Have them take their temperature several times a day, without getting close to them. Write down the readings, and note when new symptoms occur.
4. Help them hydrate: Make sure they’re drinking a lot of water and other non-alcoholic clear liquids.
5. Ease their symptoms: Help them understand how often they can take medicine to reduce their fever, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. (Michigan Medicine physicians have reviewed the evidence about these medications and others that have been in the news for COVID-19; see more information here.) Make sure the sick person understands how much to take – read the label on the bottle and follow it. If they have a bad cough, help them understand how much cough medicine to take and when.
Don’t let them take more than the recommended dose of any medicine, or use alcohol when taking a medicine that advises against it. Keep track of what the sick person has taken and when.
Make sure they keep taking any other medicines they would usually take, unless their doctor has told them to stop.
6. Keep them comfortable and entertained, while keeping your distance: Make sure they have blankets and pillows, books, magazines, and a computer or TV to pass the time, and a charger for their phone near their bed, so you don’t have to go in and out of the room. Keep the house or apartment quiet so they can sleep.
7. Help them with food, but keep your distance: Find a tray or cookie sheet that you can use to bring them food or drinks when they need it.
If they can get out of bed: Put the food and drinks on the tray, and place it outside their closed door. Walk away. They can open the door, get the tray, eat in their room, and then put the tray back on the floor outside the door and close it.
If they can’t get out of bed: Wear a mask or cloth over your mouth and nose when you go in their room, and have them cover theirs too. Bring their food and drink to their bedside table, and go back after a while to pick it up again, wearing a mask or cloth again. Wash their dishes thoroughly with hot water and soap. Don’t touch your face after handling their dishes, and wash your hands thoroughly after you touch anything they ate or drank from.
8. Keep their laundry separate: Bring changes of clothes and pajamas to them if they’re not already in the sick room. Get your clothes out of the sick room if they’re usually stored there.
Make sure they have a basket, hamper or bag in the sick room to put clothes, towels, washcloths and bedding in. Have them put it outside their door when it’s full, or wear a mask or cloth over your mouth and nose when you go in to get it. Wash their clothes, towels and bedding separately from anyone else’s.
9. Clean, clean, clean: Go through your entire home and use disinfectant spray or wipes to clean everything the sick person might have touched when they were in the early stages of getting sick, or when they were contagious before developing symptoms.
This includes tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, handles on cabinets and refrigerators, desks, toilets, sinks, computer keyboards and mice, tablets, and more. Wash things they wore or used in the days before you isolated them in the ‘sick room.’
SEE ALSO: Viruses Live on Doorknobs and Phones and Can Get You Sick – Smart Cleaning and Good Habits Can Help Protect You
10. Say no to visitors: You shouldn’t be having guests over anyway, or people working inside your home. If you have to see someone in person, do it outside your home, preferably outdoors, and stay at least six feet away from them. If they’re bringing you something, ask them to put it down and step away so you can pick it up.
11. Use technology to connect: It may seem silly to do a video chat or voice call with someone in the next room, but it can give the sick person human contact with you, your children or pets, and others in the home, without spreading the virus. Make sure they can connect virtually with others, too – including relatives, friends, coworkers and faith organizations. This can ease the awfulness of being sick and stuck in one room.
12. Stay home yourself: Now that you and others in your home have had contact with someone who has or might have COVID-19, you could carry the virus with you to work or the store, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Tell your boss you have someone in your home with symptoms, and ask if this means you should stay home or wear a mask at work. Plan to order delivery from restaurants and grocery stores, or ask friends or family if they are able to shop for you, and leave the items outside your front door. If those options aren't available, wear a mask over your mouth and nose and make as few trips as possible.
If you have a yard, garden, patio, balcony or porch, spend time there to get outdoors, but stay six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
13. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or moral support: It’s OK to let friends, neighbors and family know that someone you live with is sick, and to seek and accept their help while not letting them near the sick person. You don’t have to tell your whole social media network, but at least tell a few people you can rely on. They can bring you supplies from the ‘outside world’ and leave them on your doorstep, or ship them to you. They can walk your dog, though you should wipe down the leash first.
Don’t forget that you need emotional support and connection to help you get through your time as a COVID-19 caregiver. As the nation works to fight the spread of the virus, and care for the sick, we’re all affected in some way. But connecting with one another in safe ways can help us cope.
14. After they’re better: Someone who has had COVID-19, whether they got tested or not, should stay home and away from others until they meet the following criteria: As of July 2, 2020, CDC guidelines state that if you think or know someone has had COVID-19, they can be with others only after they’ve been fever-free, without medication, for three days AND their respiratory symptoms have improved (this includes coughing or shortness of breath) AND it has been 10 days since their symptoms first appeared. The CDC also states that people who have been around someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after that exposure.
Afterward, you, and they, should do a thorough cleaning of the ‘sick room’, including wiping down all hard surfaces, washing bedding including blankets, and vacuuming.
For more about caring for someone with known or suspected COVID-19, and for CDC guidelines for asymptomatic carriers, those who are immunocompromised (have weakened immune systems) and those who think they have been exposed to the coronavirus, visit the CDC’s website.