HONOLULU — The state COVID-19 portal, hawaiicovid19.com, offers lots of information on ways to lower the risk of infection:
• Keep hands clean. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use a tissue or your elbow to touch common surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons and crosswalk buttons;
• Wear a mask. It’s proven that wearing a mask can reduce transmission. Masks are mandatory again at some businesses and other indoor public places, and should covers the nose, mouth and chin while around people whose vaccination status is unknown, on public transit, or any time it’s difficult to maintain social distancing;
• Maintain physical distancing. It’s essential to avoid crowds and maintain at least 6 feet between people who don’t live in the household. Remember to maintain that space at work, at the beach, at the store and anywhere you go;
• Keep it clean. Think about the objects and surfaces in the home and workplace that are commonly touched, and make a plan to clean them regularly. Remember to sanitize doorknobs, light switches, keyboards and phones;
• Protect kupuna and other people with underlying conditions. Safe practices are even more important for people who live with or have regular contact with individuals at higher risk. Be vigilant, and remember that even those without symptoms could still be carrying COVID-19;
• Keep up with regular check-ups and doctor’s visits. Maintaining personal health and staying on top of medical appointments is more important than ever. Health-care facilities and physicians offices have safety protocols in place to ensure safe visits. Depending on the medical issue, a health-care provider may choose to schedule a telehealth visit instead of an in-person visit.
Further, the state portal offers hints on minimizing COVID-19 risks with friends and family.
The simple guidance will help keep all safe during social gatherings.
• Know the rules. Some businesses may require or encourage the wearing of masks. Masks are also strongly recommended for people over age 65, people with compromised immune systems, people who aren’t vaccinated, and those who care for people at risk of severe illness;
• Know the risks. The lowest risk includes virtual-only activities, events and gatherings. Modern technology is a great way to stay emotionally close when we’re physically distant. Greater risk: Small outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least six feet apart. Participants should wear masks whenever they are indoors with people whose vaccination status is unknown and if it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing. Do not share objects, hug or kiss. The highest-risk setting is large, in-person gatherings where participants’ vaccination status is unknown and not everyone is wearing a mask, it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least six feet apart and people hug or otherwise touch. The risk is increased further if attendees come from different communities, towns, cities or counties;
• Take it outside: It’s safer to gather outside in the fresh air than inside a home. If planning a gathering, consider using the front or back yard or the neighborhood park instead of a living room;
• Keep your distance: Everyone at the gathering should maintain at least six feet of physical distance from anyone they don’t live with. Put down blankets, pillows and chairs strategically to maintain the six feet of distance. Remember that keiki aren’t used to physically distancing, and may need adult assistance;
• Remember not to kiss, hug or touch each other while gathering. There are safer ways to show aloha right now;
• Serve food safely: Instead of setting out food or passing it around, provide individually packaged meals or bentos;
• Post some signs: Remind friends and ‘ohana to stay safe with signs about maintaining physical distance. Include messages about showing aloha without hugs and kisses, and protecting kupuna by giving them space.
