COVID-19 is still affecting all of us, but at Matthews Internal Medicine we want to make sure that our patients can still get the medical assistance that they need at our internal medicine practice. We’re doing everything we can to treat anyone who needs help, but we’re also staying aware of CDC guidelines and local ordinances. If you want to stay safe and reduce your risk during this pandemic, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

CDC Guidelines

Only Leave Home When Necessary

The CDC, which has set guidelines for the whole country, has a few tips for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, only go out when necessary. If you have to go to work or pick up groceries, that’s fine, but the CDC has advised against unnecessary errands and outings.

Cover Your Face When You’re Out

When you do have to go outside, cover your face with a mask. This can help reduce the chance of infection spreading. This is crucial because asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 can transmit it to others. Even if you feel fine, you might be able to get others sick.

Maintain Social Distance

You should also maintain social distance when you’re out, keeping six feet away from other people and minimizing contact. This precaution can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If You Go Outside, Be Safe

Of course, we understand that staying in your home all day can get stifling. If you do get stir crazy, you can still safely visit local parks or go outside for a walk. Just take the precautions we’ve already outlined. Maintain social distancing and keep your face covered to reduce your chance of spreading or contracting the disease.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

The CDC also advises us to wash our hands frequently during this pandemic, although this is a pretty good habit to stick to all the time. Use warm water and soap for twenty seconds or more, especially if you’ve just been outside. You can also use hand sanitizer. It’s effective as long as it contains more than sixty percent alcohol.

If You’re Sick, Stay Home

If you do feel sick, stay home. Even if it’s not COVID-19, you could still be putting vulnerable people in danger by spreading disease. Our family medicine doctors can help you out and we’ll even set up a virtual appointment for you. There’s no reason to leave and visit a doctor unless your symptoms become much more serious.

Information for Local Residents

The Charlotte, NC area isn’t as hard hit by COVID-19 as some other parts of the country have been, and we’re sure that everyone would like to keep it that way. As a result, there haven’t been any local ordinances concerning the pandemic. Instead, we’re all following the CDC guidelines that have already been set out. Keep your outings to a minimum, maintain social distance, and cover your face when you do have to go outside. When you get back home, wash your hands thoroughly. If we all work together and follow these practices, we can help reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases in our area!

Our Telehealth Services in Matthews, NC

We’re doing everything we can for patients, even in the digital space. Contact Matthews Internal Medicine today and see how our internists can help you through our telehealth services and virtual appointments. Stay safe!