Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Keep your guard up against COVID-19 during summer activities

Louisiana has seen an increase in reported COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in recent weeks. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana urges everyone to take steps to protect their health and the health of others because we are all still at risk. “As the state moved into reopening, more people have started doing their usual activities, but we are unfortunately not in the clear from COVID-19 yet,” said Blue Cross Senior Medical Director Dr. Dee Barfield. “Right now, there is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19. But, what does work to lower our risk of getting it – and what we can all do – is to make sure we are limiting its spread.”Steps the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other health officials recommend people do when leaving their homes to lower their risk of spreading COVID-19 include: Wearing a face mask that covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of your face; Staying at least six feet apart from others; Washing your hands frequently or using hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol; Avoiding touching your face – including when you put on or take off your mask; Checking your temperature frequently and staying home if it’s 100.4 or above, you have symptoms like coughing or sore throat, and/or you have been exposed to COVID-19. Some Louisiana parishes and multiple businesses, including stores and healthcare providers’ offices, require face masks and other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please be aware of and follow all rules to protect public health when you leave home.