If you or your loved ones are at higher risk due to age or a serious long-term health problem:
- Reduce your risk of infection by practicing everyday prevention as part of your daily routine.
- Know the medications your loved ones take and secure an extra 30-days worth of prescription medications, if possible.
- Avoid nonessential travel, including plane trips and cruise ships.
- Call your doctor with presenting symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
- Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent chest pressure or pain, uncharacteristic confusion or bluish lips or face.
- At-home recovery is possible if your sickness doesn’t require hospitalization. Follow CDC instructions for home care.
If you live in a retirement or independent living community:
- Stay in your home and maintain social distancing.
- Establish a buddy system and call fellow residents to check-in on each other.
- Plan for disruption of typical services, such as hospitals, stores, banks, etc.
- Actively monitor for COVID-19 symptoms in your community and notify your care team if you or someone in you know exhibits symptoms. Learn more.
If you care for kupuna or someone with a serious long-term health problem:
- Know the medications taken by your loved ones and secure extra, if possible. Learn more.
- Inventory medical supplies, such as oxygen, dialysis and wound care, and create a backup plan in the event of supply-chain shortage.
- Keep nonperishable food items on hand to minimize trips to stores.
If your loved one lives in a long-term care facility:
- Understand the facility’s outbreak protocol.
- Call facility ahead of visits for updates and advice.
- Inquire with the facility about any changes in health status of residents and guidance for visitations.
- Avoid visiting to the extent possible. Limit time and keep a distance of 6+ ft from others.
Sources: Hawaii State Department of Health, Center For Disease Control, US Census
