Experts are asking EVERYONE to do our part to make social distancing a priority to combat COVID-19. Try to keep six feet apart from others, regardless of age, or whether you feel well or sick. Adults, 65 years of age and older, are at higher risk of severe illness, please stay at home so you do not become infected.

Suggestions to alleviate the loneliness of social distancing, so you don't feel isolated staying at home:

• Stay in contact with people close to you, especially those who are social distancing too. Call family, friends, and neighbors. Schedule another time to talk before you hang up.

• Focus conversation on something positive. Share with others, especially, grandchildren or other younger family members, what life was like for you while growing up. Ask about favorite memories, movies, and books, or what is their most memorable moment in history?

• Ask what activities others suggest to prevent boredom and pass the time productively?

• The Centers for Disease and Control is asking communities to create "buddy systems" to make sure vulnerable and hard-to-reach people stay connected. This can be done through your place of worship, social group, or neighborhood email blasts.

• For those of you who are able – check in with your older friends and relatives, it is important to let them know they haven't been forgotten. Such thoughtfulness is always appreciated.

• FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Facebook, and more online sites help connect you with others. Ask a neighbor or family member for help setting up an account, but be sure to ask if they are healthy before accepting their assistance in your home.

The virus capturing so much attention in global news is COVID-19. The new coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan City, China. Imported cases have been detected in the United States with person-to-person spread among close contacts of travelers returning from China. The United States government has taken unprecedented steps to minimize the spread of COVID-19, imposing travel restrictions, health monitoring, and possible quarantine. Although preventive measures have been taken, community transmission is now occurring, meaning people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

As of March 3, 2020, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the State of Maryland, although they are testing 13 patients.

Influenza-like illness (ILI) activity in Maryland is HIGH, and there is WIDESPREAD geographic activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it’s currently flu and respiratory disease season, and they recommend getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.

If you have been in an area where COVID-19 is confirmed, or exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to slow the spread of this virus. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your health care provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html#anchor_1580064337377
https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx