The United States’ government has asked citizens to stay home and avoid going out at all if possible. Many offices have sent their employees home to work remotely and local businesses like restaurants, bars, and gyms have completely closed in some states like California. As we’re all trying to stay safe and healthy by staying in our homes, there are still some tasks that require you to reach out to a professional and visit their office. If you need to speak with a lawyer, or a health care professional follow our recommendations on how to do so safely.
Contacting a Lawyer
If you have a pending car accident or personal injury claim that you need to file, it’s important to address the situation now and not postpone it until the COVID-19 outbreak is over. Health care institutions and the government cannot determine with certainty when the outbreak will be over, it could be months before we are able to leave our homes and return to our normal life. It you wait months to file your accident claim, you may miss the statute of limitations in your state and won’t be able to recover compensation for your damages. Many professionals including attorneys are offering their services remotely, such as Panish Shea & Boyle a personal injury law firm who is offering online and on the phone consultation for new and existing clients, this in order to protect both employees and clients from a potential COVID-19 infection while still offering legal representation to whoever needs it.
Speaking to Therapists or Counselors
Taking care of our mental health is just as important during these uncertain times as ever. The COVID-19 pandemic can cause people to feel anxious about the future, fearful they may get the disease, and being in isolation and separated from family and friends can only fuel these depressive thoughts. If you are experiencing anxiety or paranoia, speak with a therapist or counselor who can help you manage these thoughts. Talk to your therapist over the phone and ask if a video call session is available. If you don’t already have a therapist that you consult with, ask your insurance carrier if their Telemedicine services include a therapist that you can talk to. The government has also announced an expansion on Telehealth access during the epidemic. Reach out to your insurance carrier and ask about these remote healthcare services.
Doctor Appointments and COVID-19 Tests
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and need to get tested, the CDC recommends calling your healthcare provider or local health department for instructions on where to get tested. Testing supplies are limited, calling before driving to a hospital will help you get accurate information on which healthcare provider has the test available. You may receive further instructions on how to avoid the spread of the disease before you visit the hospital to get tested.
If you have a pending doctor check-up and it’s not a life-threatening matter, call your doctor to reschedule the appointment or ask if a video or phone consultation is available. Visiting a doctor’s office for a regular check-up during this outbreak can unnecessarily expose you to the COVID-19 virus. If it’s an important appointment regarding a chronic condition, call your doctor and ask if a video consultation is possible or what safety precautions to take to protect against COVID-19.
Follow Government Recommendations to Stay Healthy
It’s important to follow the CDC’s and your local government’s guidelines on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of the disease. Close contact with an infected person or touching a contaminated surface then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth could transmit the virus. Arrange all your future appointments to be done via video call or over the phone to avoid going out of your home and exposing yourself and your close ones to the virus. If you need to go out, wash your hands when you get back home, avoid touching your face and keep a 6 ft of distance between people. We can finish our to-do list and other routine tasks by acting responsibly and taking care of our health and safety.