Below is a quick guide to what you should not do, what you should do with caution (remembering the 6-foot rule and washing or sanitizing your hands frequently) and things you can do with relative safety.

Please note: the following guidelines apply to those who are feeling healthy, have no underlying “at risk “conditions, and are younger than 60 years old. If you are sick, have one of the “at risk” conditions, or are 60 years old or older, CDC’s and other guidelines are clear that you should stay at home. This more restrictive approach for these populations, especially people older than 60 who feel healthy and well, can be tremendously burdensome and challenging. But we truly view this as what each of us can do to help save lives.

Do not:

● Gather in groups

● Have sleepovers or playdates or hang out with friends (of any age)

● Play sports with non-household family members

● Have meals with friends and neighbors

● Do any non-essential driving with others (except household members not in quarantine)

● Have non-essential visitors or workers in your home

● Spend too much time in stores or places of business for any reason, get in and out as soon as possible

● Go to malls or crowded stores

Do with caution:

● Shop for groceries quickly and not in crowded stores, and shop during off peak hours when the stores are less crowded; opt for delivery by phone or utilize internet orders if possible

● Pick up a prescription at a pharmacy (if you cannot arrange for delivery)

● Go to work only if you must

● In each of the above cases, try to keep to the 6-foot rule, wash or sanitize your hands frequently (especially as soon as you get home) and consider changing and washing your clothing upon returning home

Safe to do:

● Go for a walk or a run. (keep in mind the 6-foot rule, and wash your hands when you return home)

● Ride a bike

● Play in the backyard with household members not on isolation

● Go for a drive with household members (if not in quarantine)

● Cook a meal or bake together as a family

● Work from home

● Exercise at home

● Meditate

● Connect with others by phone, text, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom etc.

FAQ

1) What does it mean to be in isolation?

In isolation, you should have no contact with anyone unless absolutely necessary. This is reserved for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 because they have the greatest likelihood of spreading the disease.

2) What does it mean to be in quarantine?

Quarantine is in order when someone has been exposed to COVID-19. Because people can transmit the disease before they have symptoms, in quarantine you should restrict yourself to your home and have contact only with individuals in your home. You should do your best to stay 6 feet from each other and you should not share utensils, beds, cups, etc. with them.

3) So how does social distancing differ from quarantine?

Quarantine is when you are restricted to your home and can be in contact only with those living there with you. Social distancing allows for minimal movement in the community if you focus on reducing contact with others. One of the main ways of doing this is by avoiding events and crowds, reducing meetings and other gatherings to a few members, working from home with video and phone meetings as necessary, and keeping a safe distance of 6 feet with anyone you are with for longer than 6 minutes.