Michigan Association of Health Plans

Top 10 Ways to Reduce COVID-19 Risk This Fall and Winter

COVID-19 fatigue has set in for many, but experts say it’s more important than ever heading into fall and winter’s indoor months to stay protected.

Along with cooler temps, COVID-19 cases are unfortunately surging again — both nationwide and in Michigan. Our state’s hospitals are seeing an increasing number of COVID-19 patients, exceeding the peak this past spring.

Infectious disease experts across Michigan say this means we must continue to be careful to help prevent the ongoing spread of the virus in our communities.

Tips to Reduce COVID-19 Risk

Here are the top 10 ways to reduce your COVID-19 risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and infectious disease experts in Michigan:

  1. Mask up. Wear a face mask in public and in groups — always.
  2. Wash and sanitize. Wash your hands as frequently as possible — use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  3. Don’t touch your face. Try not to touch your face, and if you need to make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before doing so.
  4. Avoid crowds. Stay at least 6 feet from anyone not in your household.
  5. Avoid contact. Not just with others, but also with frequently touched surfaces and objects.
  6. Restrict gatherings. Limit groups to less than 10 people, and of no more than two households. (This may seem extreme, but as we spend more time indoors, it’s even more important. Here are some creative ideas to safely celebrate the holidays.)
  7. Skip the potlucks. Bring your own food and drinks to a gathering — and have just one person serve all shareable food. This is good tip to remember as you head into holiday party season.
  8. Stay home if you’re sick. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick—and stay home if you feel sick.
  9. Eat at home or order to-go. As of Wednesday, November 18, bars and restaurants will close for indoor dining service. Order take-out instead.
  10. Skip the carpool. Ride separately. And if you do ride in a vehicle with someone outside of your household, wear a mask.

This article was originally featured in Priority Health’s ThinkHealth Blog, read more here.