As COVID-19’s second wave emerges, staff should remain vigilant at work and at home

After a lull in late summer, the number of positive COVID-19 tests is climbing in much of the United States, including at the USA Health COVID-19 testing center in Mobile. The percentage of positive tests has increased from a low of 3 percent this summer to 7 percent in October 2020, said Natalie Fox, DNP, chief nursing officer for USA Health Physicians Group.

In partnership with the City of Mobile, the drive-through public testing site opened in March 2020, as the pandemic swept the United States. Testing for the novel coronavirus continues on weekdays at Expo Hall off Lawrence Street. (For an appointment, call 888-USA-2650.)

With the latest uptick in positive tests, USA Health staff should continue to be mindful of practicing social distancing measures, wearing a mask, washing hands and conserving personal protective gear.

“Since we have been facing the pandemic for the majority of the year, we all may be starting to feel pandemic-fatigue,” said Michael Chang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for USA Health. “Now is not the time for us to reduce our vigilance in fighting the virus, nor to lessen our efforts at conserving personal protective equipment (PPE).”

For reference, the USA Health policy is posted in the employee resource section of our COVID-19 web resources page.

Staff members are encouraged to take a few minutes to review USA Health COVID-19 resources, Chang said, to refresh their knowledge base to help keep everyone safe during the next phase of the pandemic.

Safe elevator use also should remain a priority. Signs detailing how many people can ride each elevator are posted at entrances and in lobbies.

And as the holidays approach, everyone should also be mindful of how many people they come in contact with, Fox said, and limit the sharing of food during gatherings.

“Family is important,” Fox said, “but make sure you are making responsible decisions. Pick outdoor settings for limited gatherings and make sure people aren’t using the same utensils to share food.”

One idea is to create individual portions of side dishes and desserts, and place each in a disposable container such as a small bowl or paper cup.

For more information on food safety during special events, check out the CDC’s tip page.