COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: What factors may increase the chance of COVID-19 infection, and what should I do if I’m at a higher risk or if members of my household have this risk? 💁 Tracy: If you are age 65 or over or are in a high-risk category, stay home and pay attention to signs of illness. Conditions that put you at a higher risk for a more severe COVID-19 case include elder age, heart and lung diseases, such as asthma, high blood pressure and heart failure. Other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and immunity disorders will play a role too. Here are the symptoms to watch for: Fever Dry cough Shortness of breath Body aches Fatigue Some people have also reported changes in the sense of smell or taste, and other neurological symptoms Consult your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms and check the article of “What to do if I am sick?” for further information. If you have the following symptoms, call your doctor or emergency hotline immediately: Dif...

Q: Can I travel long distances during the pandemic? 💁 Tracy:  Try to avoid all unnecessary travel. If you have to travel abroad, you must understand the immigration and other health regulations of the destination country.  For domestic travel, please follow the CDC guidelines, and minimize all long-distance travel unless essential.  When you absolutely have to travel to areas with a large number of infected cases, you should keep track of real-time pandemic information and have appropriate protection. Try to avoid public transportation, such as buses, trains and planes. Driving yourself or taking a taxi is recommended. Q: What should I watch out for when travelling long distances? 💁 Tracy:  Do not travel if you have COVID-19 like symptoms. Please do self quarantine at home. Take public transportation only after you have no symptoms for 14 days or test negative consecutively. If you have to travel long distances by public transportation, please consider 3 pha...