COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: Are pregnant women more susceptible to COVID-19? 💁 Tracy: According to the current research, there is no evidence that pregnant women are more or less susceptible to COVID-19. Q: If I am pregnant, do I still need to go to obstetric examinations regularly during the COVID-19 pandemics? 💁 Tracy: First of all, obstetric examinations are still very important to the health of fetuses and mothers. Some of the OB GYN examinations are especially important, such as screenings for abnormal pregnancies, Down Syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, cervical cancer, and abnormal vaginal discharge. You also need to meet with your doctors to decide on a suitable delivery plan. However, considering the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic, expecting mothers should consult with their obstetricians on whether they can reduce office visits by taking basic measurements at home, such as weight, blood pressure, body temperature, and blood sugar. Women in early pregnancy should always pay a...

Q: How can I effectively use a gas mask to protect myself? 💁 Tracy: Wash and disinfect your hands before attempting to wear the mask. Open the canister lid of the gas mask and put the mask on.  Check that you have ensured a proper fit: Wash and disinfect your hands (again). Use one hand to block the mouth of the canister and try to inhale. If you can still do so normally with the canister blocked, or if you hear air leaking through the edges of the mask as you breathe, it has not been properly worn, or else the gas mask itself leaks. Once you are sure that the mask is sealed, tilt your head down and try again; and then again with your head tilted up. This is important and should not be skipped! Only if, with the canister blocked, you cannot breathe at all three angles, have you confirmed that the mask is being properly worn to manufacturing specifications. After all, you don’t want any unfiltered air leaking in, under any circumstances! When you return inside, first tak...

Q: Can gas masks protect against COVID-19? Are they better than disposable masks? 💁 Tracy:  With effective disinfection and frequent filter replacement, a gas mask can effectively prevent the spread of airborne respiratory droplets. Compared with disposable masks, gas masks have the following advantages: Airtight fit: The shape and materials used along the edges of the gas masks make them conform and adhere better to the face. Budget-friendliness: Filters are less expensive than disposable masks, so over long periods of time, gas masks tend to be more economical than disposable ones. But it also has one principal disadvantage: in actual use, many people cannot completely disinfect it or replace the filter in timely fashion. If you use a gas mask frequently without taking adequate precautionary measures, you may in fact be increasing your chances of infection. Also, gas mask can look very intimidating and does not appear friendly in the public. Q: Which type of gas ma...

Q: How do I get my own work done while making sure my children complete schoolwork while schools are closed? 💁 Tracy: Many families are struggling with this. Here are some steps that will help: Education is important, but earning money to put food on your table is also important. Write down everything you need to do in a day and prioritize the items.   Once you know your priorities, place them on a daily schedule. You may use a chart that shows the schedule for each family member (especially if devices are shared) or have individual schedules.  Include your children in both of the above steps. They will need these skills as they get older, and empowering them will lead to more buy in for your plan.  Include time for relaxation, play, and exercise in each schedule. These are important for physical and emotional health.  Decide where each person will work in your home. Set up your work and school spaces with everything each person needs. ...

Q: During this uncertain time, schools are trying to decide to stay close or reopen. How do I keep my clients, staff, and myself safe? 💁 Tracy: It is a difficult time decide one way or the other, but social distancing and other hygiene practices need to be adopted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Discussing and communicating with your clients in advance to allow them to make arrangements will be a good idea too. If your clients are primarily essential workers or you cannot close for other reasons, you may choose to stay open, but please follow all the precautions as much as possible. Here are some tips that will help keep everyone in the program safe: Have an emergency plan that you have practiced with your staff, so that you can shut down quickly and safely if the need arises. This should include contact information and preferred means of contact for all families.  Keep social distancing as much as possible in different situations, including classroom settings, outd...

Q: What should I do if I have to put my baby/child in childcare or school during the virus outbreak? 💁 Tracy: First, if possible, avoid using a facility with a group setting especially with a large number of children together, as the risk of exposure and infection is much higher in such facilities. Instead, use home-based daycare with as few as possible children together whenever possible. This could be a licensed facility, or home of a friend or family member. Be sure that the caregiver follows the required hygiene standards and official guidelines issued by your local government and regulatory agencies. Q: Should I change childcare providers? 💁 Tracy: If you cannot switch to home-based daycare or school, staying with the same facility is the best option, as this facility may know you well and understand your child's needs. Switching to new daycare may add additional stress to you and your child. But be sure to ask about the facility's plans for protecting the child...

Q: I am a company manager. What should I pay attention to during the pandemic? 💁 Tracy: If possible, try to let employees work from home. However, if some employees have to work in the office, please pay attention to the followings: Educate and communicate with employees (including cleaning staff) on prevention and hygiene practices during the pandemic (please refer to CDC and public health departments for most updated guidelines).   Check the health status of all employees on a regular basis, survey if any employee has COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, fatigue, fever, difficulty breathing, etc. At the same time, check whether any employee has been in contact with someone who is sick and may be asymptomatic.  If an employee indicates that he/she may be sick or have a high risk of infection, consider allowing the employee to work from home or go home for self isolation; current diagnosis and treatment resources are limited and may not be adequate for every...