COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
The next several days may tempt one to let down their guard against COVID-19. But please, don’t do it. Saturday is Halloween and Tuesday is Election Day. Both events bring potentially increased COVID-19 risk that you should take into consideration.
You may be tempted to go to a Halloween get-together with friends, which seems innocuous. However, small gatherings are partially responsible for the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. Even if the party consists of fewer than 10 people who are all family members, if they are from different households, that is a higher risk event. If the event is inside, physical distancing is not adhered to, or facial coverings are not worn, it is considered high risk. Consider this case published by the CDC
about 10 people who attended a birthday party in Chicago. One of the family members had COVID-19 and spread it to seven others at the party, two of whom subsequently died.
Voting in person or being involved in “get out the vote” efforts also come with risk if not done safely. To be clear, please vote, but do it safely. You can mitigate the risk by wearing a mask, maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet, and frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.
It’s not too soon to think about how you will be spending the end of the year holidays. Thinking in terms of risk is an excellent way to decide how to celebrate this year. When you enter a high-risk situation, you not only risk your health, you also carry that risk with you, putting your family members and fellow ’Canes at risk as well.
Read on for some tips on how to vote and mark Halloween safely. |
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19
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HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEENHalloween parties, traditional trick or treating, and other activities are risky this year, but that does not mean you can’t have fun. Consider these low-risk alternatives:
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Carve pumpkins with members of your household
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Have a virtual Halloween party and show off your costumes
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Drive around and look at Halloween decorations
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Go to a drive-in movie
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Visit a haunted drive-through
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For small children, hide candy or treats and do a scavenger hunt around your house
VOTING SAFELY Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day, but there are still opportunities to vote early through Sunday. You can check where and when to vote by visiting this site.
Remember to wear a mask and wait in line at least 6 feet apart. There have been reports of long waits, so make sure you are prepared. Although polling places may have supplies, the CDC suggests bringing your own:
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Identification or documentation you may need
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Black ink pen
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Sample ballots
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Mask (and an extra one, just in case)
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Water
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Tissues
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Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
On the Coral Gables Campus, the University is offering a free shuttle service that will run every 30 minutes during select days and times. If you take the shuttle—or any public transportation—take steps to protect yourself by following the physical distancing and mask-wearing protocols.
If you think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus during the holiday, voting, or any other activity during the weekend, please arrange for a COVID-19 test before returning to campus by calling 305-243-ONE-U; members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378. |
COVID ETIQUETTEYou may encounter some people who do not follow safety precautions to stop the spread of the virus. These scenarios are often awkward, and it is hard to know what to do. First, try asking kindly without lecturing or shaming. Second, if the person does not oblige, protect yourself by turning away and putting more distance between you and them. Third, if this is not an option, consider removing yourself from the situation, if possible.
MASKS AND RESTROOMS If you use a public restroom, even if you are the only person there, keep your mask on. Here’s why: When you flush the toilet or urinal, it sprays virus-laden aerosols into the air, which you can then breathe in. You can also protect yourself from infection by waiting outside the restroom until it’s your turn, avoiding high-touch surfaces by using either your foot or a tissue, washing your hands immediately after, and avoiding touching your nose, mouth, and eyes before you wash your hands. |
WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCEThe University of Miami is one of a growing number of communities testing samples of wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This information can detect the presence and trends of infection in a community. According to the CDC, studying the trends in the concentration of virus in wastewater may predict an increase in cases. |
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We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Students, faculty, and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses who are experiencing possible symptoms consistent with, or who have been potentially exposed to, COVID-19 should contact the University’s COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U, where UHealth physicians and providers are available to answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.
Members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378.
For additional University of Miami COVID-19 information and resources, visit coronavirus.miami.edu.
If you are in distress or need counseling services, the Counseling Center provides mental health services through HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing platforms. Counselors are certified and available to help any time by calling 305-284-5511. Additional resources are also available by visiting counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu. |
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