In response to the coronavirus pandemic, many courts across the country are passing orders for residents to stay home to self-quarantine. Quarantining helps reduce community spread of the highly infectious coronavirus. It is important to understand the quarantining process and to follow order guidelines for your area.
The Significance Of Quarantine
Despite not experiencing symptoms, an asymptomatic individual may still spread the virus. People may experience symptoms anywhere from two to fourteen days following exposure to the coronavirus. Quarantining isolates people to minimize contact with others, and limits the possibility of further spreading the virus.
When people self-quarantine for fourteen days, it provides time to determine if someone is infected by the virus. Even individuals that may not have traveled recently or been exposed to someone with the virus, may still contract coronavirus. Therefore, the more people that stay home, clean, and monitor symptoms, the less the virus will be able to spread.
Those With Symptoms
Chest tightness or pain, high fever, and cough or shortness of breath are common symptoms. If you experience symptoms of coronavirus stay home, monitor your temperature, and wear a face mask. Call your doctor or local health care provider for additional instructions.
Clinics, hospitals, and especially Emergency Rooms have a greater risk of exposure to the coronavirus. In an effort to keep medical staff and other patients safe, those showing symptoms should call ahead before seeking medical attention.
In Alaska, you must contact your health care provider for a referral to be tested for COVID-19. If you will have a test to see if you are contagious, you must reduce symptoms first. This means that people must have no fever and test negative on two tests in a row, twenty-four hours apart.
Individuals who have self-quarantined in response to symptoms may not need a virus test. Individuals may be able to stop home isolation once they have no symptoms or fever for more than three full days, and at least seven days have passed since the symptoms began. Consult your health care provider and state or local health care department before stopping self-quarantine.
Alaska’s Response To COVID-19
There are constant updates providing information on how Alaska is responding to the coronavirus. Many areas across the state are enforcing various levels of quarantine and continue to confirm positive cases of coronavirus through the state. Stay up to date with the most recent news in your area to best protect yourself and those around you.
Between cleaning yourself and the most frequently touched surfaces every day, it is important to remain entertained during isolation. If you are struggling to ward off boredom, there are things to do during quarantine. Isolation can be difficult for individuals to experience, but it is important for everyone to play their part to protect the community as a whole.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “About Quarantine And Isolation“
