Living with Someone with COVID-19
Doctor-approved strategies to keep yourself and others safe if you are living with someone who has contracted the virus.
As the world slowly starts to reopen, concerns about a flare-up of COVID-19 cases remain at the top of many people’s minds. While social distancing and mask regulations will more than likely stay in effect indefinitely, you can still contract COVID-19 if you’re in contact with someone who is infected.
Here are some tips on how to keep yourself and others safe if you are living with someone who has contracted the virus.
Stay Separate While Together
If someone in your home has tested positive for COVID-19, it is critical to keep your distance. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends eating and sleeping in separate rooms and having a ‘sick’ bathroom to keep exposure down.
Not an option in your tiny apartment? Make sure to keep fresh air circulating throughout your home as this can help remove respiratory droplets, according to the CDC.
Make sure to keep your eyes open for warning signs and call their doctor or 911 if the infected person’s symptoms appear to worsen.
Keep it Clean
Make sure to wash all your dishes, utensils and laundry with rubber gloves and hot water. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Disinfect common areas often. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics.
Actively avoid sharing any personal items like bedding, silverware, towels or your cell phone with someone who is sick.
Wash your hands often. Remember to wash for a solid 20 seconds. Keep hand sanitizer close by and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wear a Face Mask and Gloves
The infected person should wear a face mask whenever they are in contact with others. People helping those who are sick should also wear gloves and a mask before entering the infected person’s room.
It is important to track your own health and well-beaing during this time. If you start to suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, which includes fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call your doctor right away.
Coming out of Isolation Safely
According to the CDC, a person may come out of quarantine if they have not had a fever for a full 72-hours AND their other symptoms have improved AND at least 10 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared. However, they should go get tested to see if they are still contagious.
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