What to Do
We know there are certain things to be true as we face this virus. Proper hand hygiene is perhaps the best defense. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and do so often, especially before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Stay home if you are sick. If you sneeze, do so into the fold of your elbow or into a tissue and then throw the tissue away. Cover your mouth to cough. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Practice social distancing and avoid others who are sick. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you think you are sick, please call your primary care doctor’s office, try our virtual doctors’ office called HSHS Anytime Care at www.anytimecare.com or access Prevea Health‘s Virtual Care by visiting www.prevea.com/virtualcare. You can also call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931. Upon using any of these resources, advice will be given on next steps for you to take. Try to avoid going to the emergency department unless it is a truly urgent situation.