The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has had a major impact on the lives of people around the world. With this global pandemic, it is important to assess the risk of being exposed to the virus if you have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient. This article will discuss the steps to assess and take precautions to minimize the risk of being exposed to the virus.
Assessing Risk
If you have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient, the first step is to assess the risk of being exposed to the virus. It is important to determine the length of time you have been in contact with the person, the amount of physical contact, and the circumstances surrounding the contact. For example, if you have been in close contact with someone for an extended period of time, or if you have had physical contact, then the risk of exposure to the virus is higher.
It is also important to consider if the person you have been in contact with has any symptoms of the virus. If they have any symptoms, then it is important to take extra precautions to minimize the risk of being exposed to the virus.
Taking Precautions
Once the risk of being exposed to the virus has been assessed, the next step is to take precautions to minimize the risk of being exposed to the virus. The most important precaution to take is to practice social distancing. This means avoiding close contact with the person and avoiding public spaces. It is also important to wear a face mask when in public spaces and to practice proper hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly.
It is also important to monitor your health for any signs or symptoms of the virus. If you experience any of the symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, it is important to assess the risk of being exposed to the virus if you have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient. Once the risk has been assessed, it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of being exposed to the virus, such as practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask, and monitoring your health for any signs or symptoms of the virus.