Stay the course: Help prevent the spread of COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – During the COVID-19 pandemic, as a community we have banded together and remained vigilant about taking safety precautions. We have flattened the initial curve and we can’t back down now. To continue to protect ourselves, our families and our communities, we must stay the course by strictly following health and safety precautions, in alignment with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Wear a mask: To show respect for others as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19, wear a face covering around others. Avoid touching your mask.
• Practice physical distancing: Whenever possible, remain at least 6 feet apart.
• Use proper hygiene: Clean hands often throughout the day using hand sanitizer or vigorous hand washing. Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Stay home if you are sick: If you are experiencing symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or loss of taste or smell, please call your healthcare provider’s office before arriving or scheduling an appointment to determine the appropriate care setting and testing process. 

This handout provides additional details about how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and safety tips for extended-use masks.

Don’t delay your care

You are making a difference by following these guidelines and keeping your health top of mind. Please remember: During this time of uncertainty care for your other medical needs — for yourself and your family members — is more critical than ever. Delaying care can lead to serious health consequences.

From video and telephone appointments to in-person visits, PeaceHealth is open, safe and ready to provide care when you most need it. We’ve taken steps to make our care in our medical centers and clinics even more safe, and to ensure we can continue to provide the best care for our community. Visit peacehealth.org/get-care-you-need to learn more about the options available to you.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.