Dr. Timothy Laird: Yes, You Can Safely Cast Your Ballot on Election Day, Nov. 3

By  //  November 1, 2020

Call 321-434-3131 to schedule a Virtual Visit

Plenty of us is pumped to cast our ballots this Election Day. Whether you plan on showing up at the polls or voting early, you can do so without worry by following some simple COVID-19 precautions. (Health First image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Plenty of us is pumped to cast our ballots this Election Day. Whether you plan on showing up at the polls or voting early, you can do so without worry by following some simple COVID-19 precautions.

“If you are safe and you practice the common sense guidelines that we all know by now – whether you vote early or by mail – you should be able to vote safely and not have any real concerns about it,” said Dr. Timothy Laird, Interim Chief Medical Officer with Health First Medical Group.

If you’re concerned about the potential for long lines at your precinct or being exposed to too many people, then be sure to plan ahead.

“If there is a long line, that really doesn’t matter, as long as you maintain your six-foot distance and everybody’s masked,” Laird said.

“If you feel like there’s a lot of people without a mask and it’s really hard to keep that distance, see if you can vote at a different time.”

Here’s a crash course in making your vote count – without putting your health at risk:

▪ Vote early: You should absolutely vote as early as you can to avoid the crowds on Election Day. The fewer people you come in contact with, the safer voting will be. Know when early voting is available and scope out your polling place to see when it’s least busy. Make arrangements to vote then, or vote by mail-in ballot or drop off if that’s more convenient.

▪ Bring your own hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol, should always be carried in your pockets or purse these days. The polling location is no different – bring it with you and use it after touching surfaces like the voting machine, pens or door handles.

▪ Be efficient: If you’re voting in person, you want to do everything you can to make your voting process safe and efficient. Be sure you have all the necessary documents ahead of time and complete any registration forms before going to vote. Another measure is to review and fill out a sample ballot at home before voting so you can vote quickly and efficiently.

▪ Safe practices: Show your patriotism by protecting your fellow Americans at the polls. Wear a mask while in line, abide by social distancing, and avoid voting at peak hours.

Remember to practice today’s guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19:

▪ Even if you personally (or someone you know) haven’t contracted COVID-19, don’t let your guard down.
▪ The virus spreads when people don’t practice social distancing, frequent hand-washing and sanitizing, mask-wearing, and other preventive measures. Being aware of these simple tasks is critical.
▪ Cover your cough or sneeze – use your arm or a tissue
▪ If you have any hint of feeling unwell, stay home.

If you are concerned you might be sick, remember you can schedule a Virtual Visit. Call 321.434.3131 to schedule a Virtual Visit with one of our dedicated providers.

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