5 Reasons for Embracing Safer at Home
December 11, 2020 2:00 PM
by Miranda Iglesias
As our state reaches new daily highs for the number of people infected with and who die from COVID-19, let’s brush up on tips we shared back in April during the first Stay at Home Order that ring even more critical now. The difference between then and nine months later is that we all have practice and knowledge on how to stay safe. We know what’s risky and even deadly. We have seen that germs do not adhere to City jurisdictions or borders and that we must work together to slow the spread of this disease.
We have to do what we know is best despite our longing to be in the company of our near and dear. While vaccines are on the way, the reality is that thousands of people will die of this virus before then. Our collective action can reduce that number and preserve the most important thing to each of us – one another. Here are five reasons to embrace Safer at Home:
Here are five reasons to embrace Safer at Home:
1) You reduce your probability of getting sick.
COVID-19 is an equal opportunity virus. It doesn’t matter where you live, what you do for a living, or whether you have a family to support. The symptoms of COVID-19 commonly include fever, severe coughing, and difficulty breathing. While some remain asymptomatic, it is deadly for others. The disease also causes long-range complications for many who are hospitalized. Here are LA County Public Health’s tips on how to protect yourself from exposure.
Staying at home has proven to be the best way to stem community spread of COVID-19. By reducing your exposure to many places and people outside your immediate home, you also reduce the likelihood that an illness in your household triggers a 14-day shutdown at your workplace or child’s childcare. These closures can not only cause major disruptions in others’ lives but impact others’ ability to earn a livelihood.
Sign up to receive COVID-19 exposure notifications on your phone. Join CA Notify is a privacy-protected system will notify you if you have come in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Learn more at CAnotify.ca.gov or watch this video.
2) You reduce your probability of getting others sick.
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We now know you can be a carrier of COVID-19 even if never develop symptoms. By staying home, you reduce the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus around our community, protecting the most vulnerable, including seniors and anyone with underlying health conditions. When you must leave your home for essential trips and time outdoors, it is critical that everyone wears a mask to ensure your continuing to protect those nearby and our essential workers.
3) You avoid contributing to overcrowding in public spaces.
Adequate physical distancing can be difficult when we crowd places with unnecessary trips. We all need to leave home just for essential activities. Please consider whether each trip you take is essential during this health crisis. For those essential errands, send only one member of your household to help our businesses comply with occupancy requirements and reduce your household’s opportunity for exposure.
4) Your community needs you to stay healthy.
We all have neighbors and loved ones who are relying on us to be there after we get through COVID-19. Take care of yourself. Take time and connect online with friends and neighbors. Not only will this help us get through the COVID-19 pandemic together, but it can also help keep your spirits high. Try downloading one of the resources on your mobile device to help you stay healthy!
If you are experiencing emotional distress and need crisis counseling or support, you can call the HelpLine at 1-800 854-7771 or Text "LA" to 741741.
5) Not everyone has the ability to stay home.
There are some services we can’t do without during this crisis. Essential service providers such as disaster responders, public safety employees, food service staff, delivery personnel, and healthcare providers must leave home to support the community. When you stay home, you are helping to protect those who are on the front lines for all of us.
We understand that some members in our community also may be facing extenuating circumstances that make it hard – or even dangerous – to shelter in place. These circumstances can include homelessness and domestic violence. If you need assistance, we urge you to call us at the City’s COVID-19 hotline, 310-458-8400, for resources to get you somewhere safe.
Authored By
Miranda Iglesias
Public Information Coordinator