COVID-19 Protocol and Information
First and foremost, we hope you and your loved ones are okay and taking all the precautions you can. The news about the spreading pandemic is quickly-moving and oftentimes confusing. It’s difficult to understand exactly what is going on, what you should do about it, and what to expect moving forward.
We want to keep you as informed as possible. This is why we’ve compiled a list of best practices and information you can use to help keep you and your family safe.Where Did It Come From?
COVID-19 (also known as coronavirus) originated in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is the capital city in the Hubei province. This landlocked and industrial area is near the middle of the country. It is widely known for manufacturing car parts as well as other industrious business and has a population of over 11 million people.
The virus is believed to have started in a market in late 2019. It is also believed the virus came from an animal such as a bat, snake, or even pangolin.
Originally known as “novel coronavirus,” the World Health Organization then changed the name to COVID-19. “CO” comes from the first two letters of corona “VI” from virus; “D” comes from disease; and 19 refers to the year in which it began.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms are believed to appear anywhere between 2 and 14 days after the initial exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. It’s important to know that an infected person that is not experiencing symptoms of the virus can still be contagious.
According the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are the initial symptoms that could signify a person is infected with COVID-19:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Symptoms of the virus will continue to progress. These are the emergency warning signs which require immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
Please note that this list does not include all possible symptoms. You should consult your medical provider for any severe or concerning symptoms.
There are groups of people that are at higher risk of severe symptoms. Those include:
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
Find the CDC’s entirety of information here.
How Can I Protect Myself?
The best thing you can do at this point is to wear a mask and avoid groups of people as much as possible. Work from home if that is an option and stock up on essential materials.
The CDC recommends people — particularly those in high-risk groups — keep a two week supply of medications on hand. Procure two weeks worth of groceries as well so you can limit your time in public.
And if you do go into public, exercise caution and wear a mask. Don’t shake hands when you greet someone. Don’t touch your face after touching a public surface. Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you can. Try to keep a distance of six feet between yourself and anybody else and wear a mask.
What Should I Do If I Get Sick?
Pay close attention to how you are feeling. Remember, people are still going to catch normal colds and other illnesses during this time. So if you’re beginning to feel sick, don’t panic. But if you find yourself with the above symptoms, you should quarantine yourself from your family, friends, and the general public.
Caring For Yourself
It’s not essential to go immediately to the hospital if you become sick and are not in the high-risk group. Keep yourself away from other people. Get rest and stay hydrated. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Maintain proper hygiene. Wear a face mask to avoid spreading the contagion. Get tested if you can.
Pay close attention to your symptoms. Seek medical attention if they begin to get worse. And if this happens, call your medical provider before visiting. Warn them that you are on the way and that you think you might be infected with COVID-19 so they can take the proper precautions.
What Are We Doing To Keep Working For You?
Bart Durham Injury Law is taking extra precautions to ensure we are able to continue serving our existing and new clients. The firm has implemented a work-from-home policy along with a small team (10 or less) in the office. This will help minimize the risk of spreading the virus through the firm.
If you are a current client, rest assured we will continue working hard on your case. We have also newly implemented or expanded existing procedures to ensure your safety as well as the firm’s. We are well-equipped to continue business as usual from any location.
All of our day-to-day work and availability to clients will remain the same thanks to the following:
- 24/7 Online Contact Form
- 24/7 Phone Answering :: 800.844.1712
- 24/7 Online Chat on Mobile and Desktop
- Electronic Document Signing
- Expanded Texting Capabilities
- Virtual Online Meetings
- Social Media and e-News Updates
As always, we are here for you in good times and bad. If you have questions about our social distancing procedures or need a FREE case evaluation, contact us today or at any time. We're here to help!
