It’s been a strange year, full of new concepts. Handshaking is out, distance learning is in, and social distancing is the big idea of the year. Do you know how to practice safe social distancing? Let’s review the basics to make sure you’re staying safe.
- First, why is social distancing important? It’s the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact, when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Airborne droplets from that person’s mouth or nose travel to the noses or mouths of people nearby and can be inhaled into the lungs. Many people who are infected do not show signs of illness, but by maintaining physical distance between you and other people you’ll be helping to protect yourself and others from the virus.
- How far away do you need to be? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people should stay at least 6 feet away from other people who are not in their household. This distance, which is about 2 arms’ length, should be maintained whether in an indoor or outdoor setting.
- What other preventive actions should go with social distancing? In addition to staying 6 feet away from other people, it’s important to wear a mask when in public. Avoid touching your face, and frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Try to limit your errands, and use drive-thru, curbside, and delivery services that can help you limit your face-to-face contact with others. When you receive a delivery or pick something up, wear a mask to maintain physical distance.
- Be safe when you’re being social. It may feel challenging to remain connected socially while you’re staying distant physically, but it can be done! Stay connected with friends and family with phone calls, video chats, and social media. Meet other people in small outdoor gatherings, staying 6 feet away from those who are not in your household. Get out and enjoy the outdoors, making use of social distancing and masks to help keep everyone safe.
- For further guidance, familiarize yourself with guidelines set out by the authorities in the area where you live. In New York, you can visit the state’s website to get up to date information regarding COVID-19 and the restrictions in place. One important restriction is the travel advisory, which mandates a 14-day quarantine for people traveling from areas where the virus is widespread. You can also find information about limitations on visitors to senior living communities.
At Parkwood Heights, we’re happy to be able to offer outdoor visitation to our residents and their family members. Since mid-July, we’ve been offering visitation from 9am-4pm Monday through Friday, but as of August 12th we’ve been able to extend our hours to include Saturdays and Sundays too. As long as we have gone 28 days or longer with no cases of COVID-19, we’ll be able to continue this visitation. All visitors must answer certain health screening questions, in writing, and have a temperature screening. Visitors who have traveled to or are coming from somewhere outside of New York State may need to complete a two-week quarantine before visiting Parkwood. Our residents may have 2 visitors at a time, with no more than 10 visitors total at the building at one time. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older or accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or over.
We’re so happy to be able to allow some visitors again because the health and happiness of our residents is at the top of our priority list. That’s one of the reasons that Parkwood Heights is a great place to live your best life. A lovely community in which to spend your retirement, Parkwood Heights is located just minutes from Victor, Fairport, Farmington, and Canandaigua. Our picturesque, 122-acre senior living campus affords many opportunities to enjoy your time with friends and family, while enjoying our scenic setting. Call (315) 986-9100 to learn more about all that we have to offer, or check out our website and reach out if you have any questions.
