People at higher risk for serious illness (Coronavirus, COVID-19)

As more cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in New York State, it will become increasingly important for higher risk individuals to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed.

• Stay home as much as possible. Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks. Visit the Office for the Aging for more information on available programs and services
• Have supplies on hand
  • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about getting extra necessary medications to have on hand in case you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
  • If you cannot get extra medications from the pharmacy, consider using mail-order.
  • Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
  • Have enough household items and groceries on hand to be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
• Take everyday precautions
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Take everyday preventive actions like washing your hands. View these Prevention steps.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
    • EPA’s list of antimicrobial products registered for use against COVID-19 (.pdf)
  • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. The risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
  • Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.
    • CDC’s guidance on travel.

Watch for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms. Call ahead to your health care provider before seeking treatment in person!

• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs include*:
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Call ahead to your health care provider before seeking treatment in person!

• If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home.
• Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
• Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick.
• Additional steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community at the CDC.

Community Support for Those at Higher Risk

Long-term care facilities and home health care providers should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19.

• Information for long-term care facilities from the CDC.
• New York State Guidance for nursing homes and adult care facilities (.pdf)
• New York State Guidance for certified home health agencies, long term home health care programs, hospices, and licensed home care services (.pdf)
• Guidance for Healthcare facilities (CDC.gov)
• Infection Control for Healthcare Settings (CDC.gov)
• N95 Strategies for Healthcare providers (CDC.gov)
• What healthcare provider personnel should know (CDC.gov)
• Resources for hospitals - with checklists (CDC.gov)

Family and Caregiver Support

• Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
• Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
• Stock up on non-perishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
• If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.