The do’s and don’ts of self-quarantine
BY ALEX MITCHELL
As New York State goes on
a formal pause that temporarily
prohibits all but
essential services, it is important
to understand what can and can’t
do in a state of quarantine while
healthy.
For starters, being in quarantine
is different than being in selfisolation
— that term is reserved
for those who are already sick
and should not be making public
appearances routinely, according
to the Cleveland Clinic.
Those who are sick have
been advised by New York
State to only leave home for
medical appointments following
a telehealth meeting, in
which medical professionals
deemed it in that individual’s
best interest. Under a state of
quarantine, leaving your home
and going outside is acceptable,
but within the context of using
good judgment.
“Individuals should limit
outdoor recreational activities to
non-contact and avoid activities
where they come in close contact
Lines at Costco in Sunset Park stretched around the corner as people with fears of being
forced to quarantine lined up for food and paper goods to withstand the 14 day potential waiting
period.
with other people,” according to
a recent NYS release.
If you want to go on that run
or have to go shopping, just make
sure you’re not coming in contact
with anyone to the best of your
ability. Otherwise, groups of
PHOTO BY TODD MAISEL
Find a way to relax while staying home
BY ALEX MITCHELL
Spending the next couple of weeks at
home isn’t ideal, but this is a national
emergency.
No matter, there’s a lot that can be done
over the next few days to get yourself not
only caught up but even ahead of life’s
responsibilities while having plenty of fun
as well.
CLEAN AND GET ORGANIZED
This reporter will not indulge in the misnomer
that “cleaning can be fun,” however
it is something that’s necessary to do. Do
ALL of your laundry, purge your home
clean, and tidy up like there’s no tomorrow.
EXERCISE
Quarantine or not there’s still plenty of
ways to stay in good health. It might not
be the same as your routine workout but
there’s plenty of options and workouts that
are being streamed to do from home.
EXPLORE WAYS TO SAVE MONEY
With no going out, no commutation
costs, and many more ways to save a little
people should only come together
if they’re providing essential
services.
Even if working for one of the
listed essential services, there is a
requirement to maintain a social
distancing protocol. That means
bit of dough, now is the chance to go over
your own fi nances to evaluate where you
can save up during COVID-19 times
Check in on those close to you
This is an obligation.
Having strong mental health in times
of seclusion is certainly as important as
having good physical standing too. Call or
Facetime your friends and family routinely,
remaining at least six feet away
from others at all times. It is also
advised to limit and avoid using
public transit when possible if you
are riding then do what you can
to also remain six feet away from
fellow passengers.
it will be much appreciated.
VIDEO CHAT LIKE YOU’RE
IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AGAIN
Many of us remember the days of group
video chats on weekday evenings back from
our younger days. Who’s to say you can’t
have a night like you’re back in the seventh
grade procrastinating your homework with
your buddies?
Young people are asked to
avoid populations that are particularly
vulnerable to COVID-19,
such as the elderly and those with
pre-existing medical conditions.
Houses of worship are not
mandated to close, though it is
advised for congregative services
to not be held at this time. Any
non-essential gatherings like parties
or other social events have
been ordered canceled by the
state of New York until further
notice. Otherwise, it is in your
best interest to stay at home and
self-monitor.
Even New York City acknowledged
that staying home
for extended lengths could
cause you to feel “sad, anxious
or overwhelmed, or have other
symptoms of distress, such as
trouble sleeping,” according to
February release from the health
department.
If feeling any mental health
distress while confi ned to your
home, NYC advises you to call
888-NYC-WELL (888-692-
9355) or text “WELL” to 65173
to speak with a mental health
professional.
There’s nothing wrong with having
a little fun to get through a challenging
time.
Start a podcast
All you’ll need is a phone and free online
editing software.
Start a quarantine confessional, go on
a rant about the things that peeve you the
most, or talk about the good in the world
or how much we all miss sports! Keeping
your mind sharp is important now.
Do karaoke
Fortunately, nobody will be watching
which should add a layer of encouragement
for many.
There’s tons of free websites where you
can not only belt out some high notes, but
also have your friends join. Sing off the
hard times.
Redecorate
Let your creative side show and take
an opportunity to make some fresh and
new executive decisions for your living
space. Move things around, play with your
decor, give things a springy new feeling!
26 March 26, 2020 Schneps Media