Behavior Change Agents COVID-19

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We encourage all staff, caregivers, visitors and program participants to adhere to good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.

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Protecting Each Other from COVID-19!  The COVID-19 landscape looks much different today than it did March 2020. We continue to learn more about the virus and have effective tools to reduce risk to people. As it has throughout the pandemic, NCDHHS adapts its response based on the emerging science and evidence to best protect North Carolinians and use the tools we have to get back to the people, experiences, and places we love. Individuals should:

 

• Layer prevention strategies based on individual risk, community indicators of spread and severity, and risk of setting.

 

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. This is particularly critical for those over age 65, those who are immunocompromised, those with underlying medical conditions, and healthcare workers.

 

• Maintain improved air flow (opening windows, using air filters, turning on fans) throughout indoor spaces when possible.

 

• Have a plan for testing (e.g., have a supply of home tests or know where community testing sites are).

 

• Get tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC isolation and quarantine protocols. Wear a mask for 10 days following testing positive or symptom onset of a COVID-19 infection, unless a mask use exemption applies. Wear a mask for 10 days following an exposure to a person with COVID-19, unless a mask use exemption applies.

 

• Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments if you have COVID-19 - like oral antiviral pills and have a plan to access treatment. More information on treatment is available here.

 

• If you live with someone at high risk for severe disease:

       o Consider screening testing yourself to detect infection early.

       o Consider wearing a mask when indoors with them.

 

• Masking when indoors in public is recommended for everyone at high CDC COVID-19 community levels and for those at higher risk at medium or high community levels. Follow any mask requirements that may be in place for settings like health care and high risk congregate settings (e.g., long term care settings, homeless shelters).

 

• Everyone age 2 and over can wear a mask for an added layer of protection.

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