Facts and information about the coronavirus pandemic are constantly changing. Visit the CDC site for the most up-to-date information during the COVID-19 outbreak.
We are still seeing new COVID-19 cases every day in Arkansas and the rest of the United States. As long as we continue to see new cases of the disease, everyone must continue doing his or her part to slow the spread of the virus. This includes preventive measures such as social distancing, proper handwashing, and wearing a face mask in public. One of the most effective ways of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is by staying home as much as possible and limiting close contact with others. However, there are essential errands that may require you to go out in public spaces.
There are ways to run essential errands such as banking, going to medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, getting food, exercising, and getting gas while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.
The basics
- Look for options that reduce close contact with others and that minimize your time spent in public places.
- If you must go out in public, stay six feet away from others whenever possible.
- Choose times when fewer people are out — early in the morning or late at night.
- Wear a face mask when you go out in public.
- Wash or sanitize your hands whenever you touch something that someone else may have touched.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water whenever you get home.
Banking
Bank online whenever possible. If you need to visit the bank, use an ATM.
Clean the ATM with a disinfectant wipe before using it, and use hand sanitizer afterward.
Gas
Use disinfectant wipes on pump handles and keypads before filling up on gas.
Use hand sanitizer after fueling.
Groceries
Only go to the grocery store when it is necessary.
Choose touchless payment options (without using cards, banknotes, or keypads) when available.
Consider delivery grocery services or online grocery ordering and pickup.
Use disinfectant wipes on grocery carts and keypads at self-checkouts.
Takeout food
Choose touchless payment options (without using cards, banknotes, or keypads) when available.
Order and pay for takeout online, through an app, or over the phone.
See if curbside pickup or no contact pickup options are available.
Receiving packages and mail
Limit person-to-person interactions whenever possible.
Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after receiving packages and mail.
Medical appointments
It is important to maintain good health during the pandemic. Do not skip your wellness visits or follow-up visits. If you are not feeling well, call your doctor’s office. Most MANA physicians are offering TeleVisits and in-office visits. We are taking every precaution to keep you safe during your visit including limiting the number of patients in the clinic, screening patients and staff each day, requiring masks, maintaining social distancing, thoroughly cleaning exam rooms after each use, and deep cleaning the clinics often.
Some people should not go out in public during the COVID-19 outbreak
Stay home if you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms: cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Contact your primary healthcare provider.
Stay home if you are at an increased risk for serious health complications from COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following risk factors put you at a higher risk for serious illness:
- Being 65 years of age or older
- Chronic lung disease
- Serious heart condition
- Weakened immune system
- Severe obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver disease
If you are in one of these groups, find someone who can assist you with essential errands during the COVID-19 outbreak.