By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – HCMH provides, defines and reminds every one of the terms they need to know during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the world is going through the outbreak of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 a lot of terminology has been tossed around without much clarification. Phrases like social distancing, quarantine and self-isolation have been used to describe means to protect the public. Humboldt County Memorial Hospital and Humboldt County Public Health helps to define those terms and who they apply to.
Social distancing is described as staying six feet away from others while minimizing travel and staying home as much as possible. It applies to everyone and HCMH and Humboldt County public health encourage all residents to practice social distancing to help protect the community. This is recommended until it is communicated otherwise.
Quarantine is described as staying at home while limiting interactions while monitoring any symptoms such as fever or respiratory issues. A self-quarantine is recommended for people who have yet to show symptoms of COVID-19 but had close contact with anyone who tested positive for the virus. An individual should quarantine for 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Isolation is anyone who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough, fever or shortness of breath. While isolating individuals should not leave their home and avoid others in the residency. Individuals should also disinfect surfaces regularly and contact their local health care provider if the symptoms get worse. Those who are self-isolating should remain in isolation for seven days from symptom onset as well as 72 hours of being fever free and all other symptoms improve.
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital understands that this can be a scary time but they are read to be your partner in this journey. More information and tips on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community can be found on humboldthospital.org.