Residents and family members should protect themselves and their families from encountering COVID-19.

That means understanding what COVID-19 is, how it is spread and why it is dangerous.

Practicing the social distancing rules during this outbreak, which is staying 6 feet apart from another person, and wearing a mask and gloves are ways to prevent encountering the COVID-19 virus.

COVID-19 can include a sudden onset of a high fever, bodily aches and pains, sore throat/dry cough, shortness of breath and feeling fatigued.

The symptoms can be like the common cold or the flu and can be fatal in elderly persons, people with chronic diseases and anyone with a weak immune system.

All nursing homes have been locked down since this outbreak began at the beginning of March, 2020.

The primary method to keep our residents safe from the spread of COVID-19 is the lockdown of all nursing, assisted and residential care facilities, per the instructions of the CDC.

For the elderly, if our society continues to practice the precautions put in place, it can reduce the future serious complications and spread of COVID-19. The precautions will also reduce the number of people who die or need a hospital stay because of the COVID-19 virus.

Important facts: COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person and is very contagious. Just because you can’t go inside and visit with your loved ones, the facilities can arrange a visit through windows of the facility or skype/facetime phone calls. Simply contact the facility and inquire how you could visit with your loved one during these trying times, and facilities will work with those families.

If you need assistance regarding keeping in contact with a loved one residing in a long-term care facility due to social distancing and restricted visitation, you may contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at Areawide Aging Agency at (405) 942-8500.