It’s been crazy couple months rebounding (slowly but surely) from the nationwide shutdown of our leagues due to COVID-19. We’ve been fortunate to open a few sports in a few cities and we’re working hard in the background to open more as local regulations allow.
We’ve also been fortunate to partner with Better Health Advisors on our COVID-19 response plan. BHA has helped us create a Safety Plan for players and staff and are our general advisors for anything COVID-related. They’ve been a trusted resource to help make informed decisions around our COVID protocols, and we'd like to pass along these important safety tips from BHA.
The 5 Best Ways to Protect Yourself & Others from COVID-19
What’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the coronavirus? Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been flooded with conflicting tips and advice, and it can be challenging to separate the facts from all the misinformation that’s floating around online.
Better Health Advisors, a national health advisory firm based in New York City, has been working closely with ZogSports to guide the company’s COVID-19 policies and keep its sports teams healthy. We believe that it's important to safely socialize, play sports, and remain active — even in a pandemic. To help make that possible, we’re using our healthcare expertise to provide athletes with reliable, science-backed recommendations.
Here are five ways that you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the continuing threat of the coronavirus:
1. Assess Your Risk Level
Before you decide whether to participate in a particular activity, consider if you and your family members are in good health. If someone in your immediate circle is in what the CDC considers a high-risk category, they may be more susceptible to severe illness or complications from COVID-19. If this is the case, you’ll want to take extra precautions in order to keep them safe. To help you understand your individual risk level, we created this personal COVID-19 assessment.
2. Minimize Spread and Exposure
After coping with the threat of the coronavirus for months, it may be tempting to let safety precautions slide — but the best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to the virus. That means washing your hands and wearing a mask. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before touching your face or eating. If soap and water is unavailable, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Wear a mask to minimize the spread of germs when you are within six feet of others. For information about which masks are most effective, check the CDC’s mask guidelines.
3. Use Reliable Sources to Stay Up to Date
Separating facts from fiction is crucial when making decisions about your health. Use trusted sources such as the CDC, WHO, and your state health department. The spread of the coronavirus is dangerous, but so is sharing rumors and hoaxes that can put others at risk. Focus on separating the facts from the misconceptions. If you come across news about COVID-19 on social media, keep in mind that it may be biased or distorted. Check a reliable source before you share it.
4. Watch for Symptoms
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of COVID-19, and remember that they can vary from person to person. If you develop a fever or cough, have difficulty breathing, or experience other symptoms of COVID-19, don’t take chances. Stay home, keep your distance from other people, rest, and stay hydrated. Call your healthcare provider and follow their instructions.
5. Know When to Get Tested
Different types of tests are used to diagnose COVID-19. Viral tests check the respiratory system for current infection and antibody tests check the blood for past infection. A viral test is most useful if you are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed positive test, or are asked to get tested by a health provider, employer, or the government. Antibody tests look for past infection. Our bodies produce antibodies to fight disease, and an antibody test is usually positive around 1-3 weeks post-infection. We are still learning about antibodies and whether they offer any protection against reinfection. You still need to take all precautions even if positive for antibodies. Check here to find reliable testing in NYC.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the Better Health Advisors website. We’ve compiled a helpful list of coronavirus resources, covering everything from emergency care to mental health support.
