12 simple ways to stay safe during coronavirus

It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. Every corner of the world is affected, and all of mankind is adapting to new social, political, and economic policies designed to minimize the impact of this new virus. As we all struggle with the mounting anxiety and fear that follows bad news, the best thing we can do is try to stay informed. Information shines a light into the darkness of the unknown. While it doesn’t fix the problem on its own, it is essential to staying safe and reducing the spread of the disease. This is a global problem, and everybody can (and should!) do something. Here are some simple steps to take to keep yourself safe:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol.
2. Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands.
3. As much as possible, don't touch "high-touch" public surfaces such as doorknobs and handles, cabinet handles, and light switches.
4. Don't shake hands.
5. Clean home and work surfaces often with disinfectant. This includes desk surfaces, printers, phones, kitchen counters, tables, fridge door handle, bathroom surfaces, and any soiled surface. Closely follow disinfectant label instructions. See the CDC’s cleaning website for detailed instructions.\Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow.
6. The CDC advises wearing a cloth face mask in public. During a public health emergency, medical face masks may be reserved for healthcare workers. You may need to make a cloth face mask of your own. You can do this using a bandana, T-shirt, or other fabric. Here are some great step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
7. Stay away from people who are sick. Stay informed about COVID-19 in our community. Follow local instructions about being in public. Be aware of events in our community that has been postponed or canceled, such as festivals and sporting events. Practice social distancing by not attending public gatherings and staying about 6 feet from others as much as possible.
8. Check your home supplies. Consider keeping a 2-week supply of medicines, food, and other needed household items.
9. Make a plan for childcare, work, and ways to stay in touch with others. Know who will help you if you get sick.
10. Experts don't know if animals can spread COVID-19, but it's always a good idea to wash your hands after touching any animals. Don't touch animals that may be sick.
11. Don’t share eating or drinking utensils with sick people.
12. Don’t kiss someone who is sick.

To stay up-to-date on everything coronavirus-related, you can visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

To get the latest from LCMC Health, information on virtual visits with your provider, plus ways to support our healthcare heroes, visit LCMChealth.org/coronavirus.

About Dr. Lundberg:

Dr. Peter Lundberg was raised in Massachusetts and attended Boston College followed by Loyola University-Chicago for medical school. He fell in love with New Orleans during his residency in general surgery at Tulane, after which he completed a bariatric and minimally invasive surgery fellowship at St. Luke’s University in Pennsylvania. Dr. Lundberg performs sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and revisional bariatric procedures with a personalized approach for every patient, using minimally invasive techniques to ensure a safe, satisfactory outcome with minimal pain and a rapid recovery. Dr. Lundberg is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has been extensively published in general and bariatric surgery literature. He also maintains leadership roles in both the state and national chapters of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and is a tireless advocate for educating patients, providers, employers, and legislators on the benefits of weight loss surgery. His greatest passion, however, is establishing meaningful relationships with patients — to listen, understand, and honestly find the best way forward as a team.