COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: How to minimize the risk of infection in large social gatherings during the COVID pandemics? 💁 Tracy: In the COVID pandemics, social gatherings present a very challenging situation and a real increased risk of infection, especially if there is a large crowd of people. This risk is greatly heightened if:  a large number of people do not wear masks or practice good hygiene; in very confined space, especially indoors; in very crowded settings, especially if social distancing cannot be maintained; in very emotional situations that are difficult to predict or contain the outcome (such as funerals or large parties); if many people will be singing, chanting, or talking loudly, such as in large rallies, protests, marches, etc. Please read carefully CDC's guideline on mass gathering, and how to plan and prepare such events. Minimize such events unless absolutely needed. If you want to attend such events, please weigh in your benefits versus risks very carefully. Every...

Q: How should we practice social distancing? 💁 Tracy: In areas with a high prevalence of cases, keeping social distance means avoiding going to risky areas and stay close to other people. According to current scientific research, proper social distance is more than 1.5 meters, preferably 2 meters. This should effectively prevent the risk brought by a spread of droplets from person to person. This refers to the distance when both people are standing still face-to-face or in line. Certain situations may make the needed social distancing even further, such as when people talk loudly without masks, cough or sneeze, with AC or wind blowing. Please use common sense to decide what's the best way to maintain a safe distance and reduce your risk of exposure. When running, as the amount of exhaled air and droplets increases greatly, the runner behind would better keep a distance of more than 10 meters from the runner in front. On windy days, the runners should enlarge this distanc...

Q: How can I protect myself during the pandemic if I have to use a wheelchair?  💁 Tracy: COVID-19 can live up to several days on hard surfaces including wheelchair handles. Therefore, washing hands frequently is incredibly important. Slip-proof gloves are recommended for operating the wheelchair. The virus may exist on any part of a wheelchair, so please clean the wheelchair each time you return home. Wear masks and gloves when you go outside. Park yourself and stay in a well ventilated area. Have a washcloth that is only used for cleaning the wheelchair. First spray the disinfectant on the wheels, and then wipe the armrest and hand wheel with the washcloth soaked with disinfectant. If you use an electric wheelchair, disinfect the joystick, controller, and any other parts that people come in frequent contact with. Wash your hands after removing gloves. Disinfect the floor at home frequently, especially right after you return home. Don't forget to wash your hands ...

💁 Tracy's Tips for maintaining and improving mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic Warning: this article is very long and contain materials on different topics. Please take it in slowly and separate in different chunks. During the pandemic, mental health may be affected in many ways. Psychological symptoms usually include: nervousness, anxiety, worry, fear, helplessness, being overwhelmed, depression, worry, anger, panic, mania, guilt, or feeling of being treated unfairly due to discrimination against certain group of people. Physiological symptoms usually include: headaches, stomachaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, nightmares, continuously feeling like crying, shortness of breath, heart palpitations (fast heartbeat), fatigue, general weakness, discomfort, etc. Everyone experiences some degree of these stresses, in their own unique way. Biological and social-economic factors all have an impact on your own particular experiences. Regardless of these factors, ...

Q: During the pandemic period, do mothers need postnatal doctor’s visits?  💁 Tracy:  Mothers and newborn babies should follow doctor's advise on receiving postpartum care. In order to reduce face-to-face contact, you can consult your doctor and postpartum care team to make a plan, which may include telephone consultation or online consultation. If you have to visit your doctors physically, you should take prevention measures, such as wearing masks, washing hands, keeping social distance, and follow other recommendations by your doctor as much as possible. If you have to take your baby for such sessions, please take extra steps to protect the baby as well according to your doctor's advise. If you or the newborn start to develop symptoms related to COVID-19, contact your doctors immediately. Q: Do mothers with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 have to be separated from their newborns? Can they keep nursing? 💁 Tracy: Mothers with COVID-19 related symptoms can...

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...