COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 community update, released December 2, 2020

COVID-19 Guidance from Northern Light Health

Advice for the entire community to stop the spread of COVID-19
We can only stop the spread of COVID-19 if we all work together. The first thing you need to do is buy into the idea that you too have a role to play in saving lives and keeping your community safe. Try to stay at home as much as possible. If we pull together, we can stop the outbreak on the Island in 2-3 weeks.
Over 40% of the time, the virus is spread by people who do not know they have it or do not feel sick. Even if you feel fine you can be a danger to others if you are carrying the virus. And even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk, and your activities can increase the risk for others.

Follow the 3 C’s: avoid Closed spaces, Crowded places, and Close contacts. Work or engage in
schooling from home whenever possible. Avoiding social gatherings is a must for now. Bars, churches,
and indoor athletics are particular risks for infection clusters. If you need to leave your home or gather
with others, try to stay outdoors, sit or stand six feet apart, and, above all else, everyone should
wear a mask. 

When possible, use drive-through, pickup or delivery options. Don’t visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently-used item or surface. Don’t touch your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow. Disinfect frequently-used items and surfaces as much as possible. 

Exposure and Testing
An exposure occurs when you had close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour
period) with a COVID-19 case while they were symptomatic or within 48 hours before their symptoms
started. Forms of exposure include: living with someone who feels fine but tested positive, providing care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19, having direct physical contact like hugging or kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils or being sneezed on, coughed on or otherwise exposed to respiratory droplets.

Getting tested 5-14 days after your exposure provides the most accurate picture of whether you have
COVID-19. A negative test doesn’t remove quarantine requirements. You still need to remain at home for
14 days in case your test was a false negative.

What does it mean to Quarantine?
People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health and follow directions from their state or local health department. Staying home really does mean staying home, not going to stores, work or even drive-through windows. Have outside friends/neighbors/family drop the things you need off outside of your home. Call your primary care doctor’s office if you have any
questions or concerns.

If you all follow this advice, you can save your life, the lives of your loved ones and the lives of perfect strangers.

 The most up-to-date resources related to the pandemic

For health updates, please visit the Centers for Disease Control: 

For local updates on Island events, businesses, community resources, and government please visit:

To support the work being done in our community related to COVID-19 and other health and wellness initiatives, please donate to Island Health & Wellness Foundation today.

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