Safety Guidelines

Those most at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 include those we serve – older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. Our staff has been briefed on CDC recommendations and procedures for preventing the spread of the virus. Bacoa is following these recommendations.

Get the latest update about the virus and prevention measures from the Centers for Disease Control. These include:

• If you are not yet vaccinated, you can find a vaccination location near you at vaccines.gov.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or face cover when around others outside your home
• Avoid close contact when outside the home; put at least six feet of distance between you and those who do not live in your home
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you’ve been in a public place, before eating, after blowing your nose or coughing, or going to the bathroom
• If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe

If you are at higher risk or you are caring for someone who is:

• Contact your health care provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand to avoid unnecessary trips. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail order.
• Monitor food and other needed medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) and create a backup plan.
• Stock up on nonperishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
• If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

Stay informed through reputable sources:

The CDC has extensive information on the virus, available updates, and precautions you can take. Advocate Aurora Health also has a page of resources, including CDC updates and a COVID-19 symptom checker.