COVID-19 & Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know

Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Omicron variant: What You Need to Know

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect that you are infected (CDC, 2020):

We are closely following CDC guidelines on Covid-19 and the new Omicron variant. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines for Coronavirus.

    STAY HOME. Unless you are going out specifically to receive medical care. If you do intend to seek medical care, call your doctor beforehand so they can prepare and provide you with instructions on how to proceed.

    People who have a mild illness caused by COVID-19 are able to self-isolate at home and should:

    • Wear a facemask.
    • Avoid public areas and public transportation.
    • Stay away from others. If you live with others, stay in a different room from them as much as possible and designate a different bathroom for only your use if possible.
    • Do not share anything. After touching household items, wash them with soap and water.
    • Limit contact with pets and animals.
    • Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching doorknobs, and handrails.
    • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with tissue or the inside of your bent elbow and wash hands immediately afterward.
    • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer between hand-washings, especially after handling objects.
    • Disinfect surfaces frequently (tables, desks, handrails, and doorknobs).
    • Monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. Call your doctor beforehand and wear a mask to leave your home. Ask them to alert the health department of your condition.

    It is also important to follow these guidelines if you are healthy but living with someone who has an underlying condition that makes them more vulnerable to becoming ill. It may take 2-14 days after exposure to another person with Coronavirus to experience symptoms. It is better to be safe.

Preventing Illness (CDC, 2020):

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching doorknobs, and handrails.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer between hand-washings, especially after handling objects.
  • Avoid shaking hands and coming into contact with others in public.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with tissue or the inside of your bent elbow and wash hands immediately afterward.
  • Disinfect surfaces frequently (tables, desks, handrails, and doorknobs).
  • Avoid large meetings and gatherings. If they are unavoidable host them outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people in public.
  • Do not share food.

Identifying the Symptoms (CDC, 2020):

If you develop the following symptoms after close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have travelled to an area heavily affected by the virus, contact your doctor:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Additional Information:

Use the information provided here to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Rely only on reliable sources for information regarding the Coronavirus. Rely on agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Florida Department of Health. Social media sites may be poor sources of information and are subject to spreading misinformation. Fact check any claims from social media channels against official information before taking action based on the information. Florida Therapy Services, Inc. will provide updates regarding any changes that will affect our operations.

For more information and to see the CDCs answers to frequently asked questions on COVID-19, follow this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Also, remember that it is Florida Therapy Services, Inc. policy for anyone who is sick to stay home. If you are sick, call to let us know and we will gladly reschedule your appointment.

 

 

References

CDC. (2021). CDC Statement on B.1.1.529 (Omicron variant). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1126-B11-529-omicron.html

CDC. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html

CDC. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

CDC. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf"

Florida Department of Health. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Retrieved from http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19