HEALTH FIRST: Labor Day Weekend Not the Time to Let You’re COVID-19 Guard Down

By  //  September 7, 2020

Virtual Visitors can call 321-434-3131 to schedule an appointment

Sure, we’ve navigated a few holiday weekends since COVID-19 barged into our everyday lives. But as Labor Day weekend kicks off, now’s not the time to become lax about being safe. (Health First image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Sure, we’ve navigated a few holiday weekends since COVID-19 barged into our everyday lives. But as Labor Day weekend kicks off, now’s not the time to become lax about being safe.

This is our time to show we’re smart – and all working together to stave off further spread of the virus.

But it’s still possible to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers – especially considering the dedication of many during the fight against COVID-19.

You can honor hardworking Americans by doing your part to safely observe the holiday and protect the health of others.

That means parties, parades and other large gatherings where people congregate need to still be on hold until the pandemic has passed.

If you feel compelled to go out, follow the standard set for this public health crisis – no large groups, wear a mask, socially distance and frequently wash or sanitize your hands. And if there’s any inkling you or someone you might be around could have been exposed to COVID-19, stay away.

Best bet? Be a little creative in how you celebrate Labor Day:

▪ Enjoy the fresh air. Go for a walk, bike ride or swim in your pool, if you have one. Have a picnic or barbecue in your backyard.
▪ Catch up on some hobbies you love – gardening, reading, landscaping, painting. Maybe this is the weekend to get caught up on household projects you haven’t been compelled to tackle yet. It’ll keep your mind and body busy.
▪ Binge watch a series or some movies. Get engrossed in other people’s stories, if only for a little while.
▪ If you insist on going to a social gathering or hosting one, keep it to 10 attendees or fewer. Ask your guests to wear their masks – and do the same yourself. Make sure that you check first that everyone who is coming isn’t positive for COVID-19 or showing symptoms. And if they are, insist they stay home – and reassure them you’ll get together another time when everyone is healthy.
▪ Consider a Virtual Labor Day party using a social networking video app or your smartphone.

As always, be smart this holiday weekend. COVID-19 isn’t the only threat to safety:

▪ Don’t drink and drive – or drink and go boating. It’s important to not get behind the wheel of a car or a boat if you’ve had any alcohol. Have a designated driver every time, holiday or not.
▪ Be careful when grilling or enjoying a fire pit. Again, watch the alcohol (as it slows your reflexes) and keep an eye on children and pets. A burn can happen in an instant. Stay focused on what you’re doing.
▪ If you’re around a body of water (whether a lake, pond or pool) always keep an eye on children and others at risk for drowning. Someone should always be the designated watcher of those who are swimming. Drowning can happen quickly. Make sure someone is on the constant lookout for signs of distress.
▪ Just because you’re on a boat or outdoors doesn’t mean you’re safe from COVID-19. Be sure to apply not only sunscreen but a face mask. And social distance and keep hands sanitized, especially if you’re passing around fishing equipment and other items.
▪ If you or a loved one get hurt, do not hesitate to head straight for one of Health First’s four Emergency Departments. Our facilities are constantly cleaned and sanitized, we screen all who come into our hospitals for COVID-19, and everyone is required to wear a mask.
▪ In addition, two Health First/AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care facilities will be open on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Gateway facility is at 1223 Gateway Drive, Suite 1E, Melbourne, and the Malabar location is at 730 Malabar Road, Suite B.

The centers provide care options for urgent, non-life-threatening medical conditions for adults and children. Virtual Visits are an option, too. To schedule a Virtual Visit, call 321-434-3131.

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