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Reopening California – Phase 2

Wondering how California entering Phase 2 of reopening will affect you? Here are a few things to know and expect during this time. 

California Reopening = More Businesses Reopen

At a high level, the main thing to know is that more and more businesses are opening back up. There are three main types of businesses in the beginning part of Phase 2:

  • Manufacturers
  • Retailers
  • Warehouses

Why just these types of companies? Because 70% of the state’s economy relies on them! Think about it – manufacturers in California provide goods for the entire world, retailers sell those goods to the millions and millions of Californians and warehouses are needed to store the goods produced here. 

As time goes on, more types of businesses will open up. We’ll see office environments open back up. Restaurants will be able to have seated patrons again, not just takeout orders. Shopping malls will reopen. 

This is great news for millions and millions of Californians. Not only will they be able to go back to work and provide for their families again, but they’ll also get back to some kind of normalcy. 

However, things won’t be exactly as they were 3 months ago. 

California Phase 2: Changes to Expect

Even though all of these businesses are opening back up, you can still expect to see some new behaviors:

Social Distancing – Every business, from retailers to restaurants, are going to encourage social distancing. For example, retailers are enforcing this by marking spots on the ground so customers stand 6 feet apart at the checkout counter. Restaurants will either space out tables to be at least 6 feet apart, or only have a portion of the tables available for seating. 

Personal Protection – Employees will be required to wear protection. Masks will be the most common, followed by gloves. Some employers will go an extra step or two, such as having their employees wear safety glasses. 

Temperatures – Some employers are going to ask employees to have their temperature taken when they get to work. A fever is one of the most consistent symptoms of the coronavirus, so employers are trying to catch anyone infected before it spreads to other employees or customers. 

Sanitization – Grocery stores have been doing this for a while now, and the practices are going to spread to other businesses. Employees will be required to regularly wipe down surfaces with things like Lysol spray or disinfecting wipes. Everything from doorknobs to Keurig coffee machines will be on the to-do list.

Limited Store Capacity – This is another one some retailers have been doing for a while. They’ll track how many customers are in the store at a time, and stop allowing more customers once a limit is reached. 

California Reopening Phase 2: Do Your Part

As businesses start to reopen, do what you can to be a good citizen yourself. Some people are going to stores and restaurants without masks on. Even though some stores may allow it, that will be looked down upon for a while. Wear a mask to help prevent the spread of this virus. 

Try to be a patron to small businesses in your community. That doesn’t mean you should entirely ignore your favorite chain restaurant, but a meal or two at a mom-and-pop restaurant that’s been closed for 2 months will help your community more than going to a big chain. 

Starting to see the beginnings of California reopening is exciting but we will face many challenges. If one challenge you face is the need for better insurance, please reach out! We’d love to help. 

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How to Flatten the COVID-19 Curve

How do we “flatten the curve” of COVID-19? That is the most important thing any American can focus on right now. As this virus ravages the world, we need to work together to help the healthcare system fight it. 

First, let’s start with what it means to “flatten the curve.”

What Does it Mean to Flatten the Curve of COVID-19

When government and healthcare officials talk about “flattening the curve,” they are essentially saying we need to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Think about it like this- assume there are two scenarios.

  • Scenario 1 is where 10,000 people get the Coronavirus within 2 weeks
  • Scenario 2 is where 10,000 people get the Coronavirus over 2 months

In the first scenario, the healthcare system will be overwhelmed. They just don’t have enough beds in the hospitals to take care of all those people, plus people experiencing “usual” healthcare issues such as heart attacks, car accidents, etc. 

This leads to many people not getting the care they need and finding it more difficult to recover.

Scenario 2 doesn’t overwhelm the hospitals. People can be treated and sent home without running out of beds. Everyone is able to get the care they need, so more people are able to live. 

Scenario 2 is the one with a “flatter curve” because there wasn’t as large of a spike in cases, and is what health experts are trying to get our help with. 

How to Flatten the Curve

The number one thing we can do to flatten the curve is practice “social distancing.” This refers to intentionally staying home and avoiding interactions with people. The fewer people we interact with, the slower the virus spreads. Here are some actions you can take to flatten the curve even further:

1. Workout from home rather than going to public places such as a park. It is okay to go on walks around your neighborhood, but just be sure to practice social distancing and do not touch anything. If you have to touch something, (crosswalk light etc.) don’t touch your face until you can return home to wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Only go to the grocery store when it is absolutely necessary. While we may be accustomed to going to the store for just a few items, make sure to use most or all of your current groceries before venturing out. Limit your trips by making a list or meal plan before you go and getting all necessary ingredients. 

Note: As you know, it is difficult during this time to find everything we need at the grocery store. Keep a few alternatives in mind that you can get if you can’t find exactly what you were looking for.

As an alternative, there are many meal delivery services that deliver groceries right to your doorstep. While these options may be a little more expensive, it can be worth saving a trip right now.

3. If you are experiencing any symptoms, do not leave your home at all. It is best to quarantine yourself for at least 7-14 days and 72 hours past when your symptoms have subsided. 

4. Do not visit your friends at their homes. Many people are still visiting friends and family and think it is safe to do so because they are at home as well. Limit this as much as possible because this still facilitates the spread of germs.

5. Above all, stay home. This too will pass and we will eventually be able to get back to normal life. The more we stay home, the faster this will be over with. Together we can flatten the curve.

Courtesy of Cuselleration

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Coronavirus 101 – What it is and How to Prevent it

Now that Orange County has declared a local state of emergency, the coronavirus is on everyone’s mind. What is the coronavirus? Are there tips to help prevent contraction?

What is the Coronavirus?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (often referred to as COVID-19) is a respiratory illness. It’s highly contagious and spreads from person to person. It’s caused by a virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China where the outbreak began. 

As of today, there are over 100,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and over 3,400 deaths. That said, over 55,000 people have recovered from the virus, proving that it can be beaten. 

How does the Coronavirus spread?

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the main way this virus spreads is from close contact with an infected person. If someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, they produce respiratory droplets that contain the virus. 

The virus also spreads through physical contact. If the virus gets onto a surface that is then touched, it can spread. For example, if someone with the coronavirus sneezes into their hands and then touches a door handle to open it, the virus is now likely on that door handle. Anyone who touches that door handle has a risk of contracting the virus. 

What are the Coronavirus Symptoms?

There are three main symptoms of someone with the coronavirus:

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough

How do You Prevent Getting the Coronavirus?

There are a few things you can do to help keep yourself healthy:

  1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. This can be difficult because you don’t always know if someone has the virus. However, if they are showing symptoms, it’s best to keep your distance. 
  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Even if you get the virus on your hands, it may not make you sick. It’s when you touch your face or eat with hands that have the virus on them that makes you more likely to get sick. 
  3. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Keep soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds, though longer is better. You need to give the soap time to kill the virus, which is why you can’t wash it off too quickly. 

What Else Should I Know About the Coronavirus?

There is currently no vaccine for the virus, even though companies are working around the clock to develop one. Many areas of the world have declared a state of emergency, and some companies are even having people work from home to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Even if your area doesn’t have any confirmed cases, start taking action now. Considering how fast the virus is spreading, there is a good chance it will be in your area soon. Start washing your hands often and avoid people who are sick if possible. If you or your loved ones start showing symptoms of the virus, seek medical attention quickly. 

This is also an ideal time to review your health insurance. If you think a new policy is in order, give us a call at (877) 600-7347. We look forward to helping you keep your family healthy and safe.

Courtesy of Cuselleration

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