As Ohio reopens, we must remember to remain safe, and we must remember that COVID-19 is still very much around. While we undergo the lengthy process of reopening Ohio, it may be easy to become absentminded or inattentive to the world around us. Life can, and will, get back to normal as long as we remain playing it safe and do our part in preventing more spread of the disease.
Though the restrictions are easing, the same precautions we have been taking are still very much in play. This includes keeping a social distance, keeping gatherings of individuals to less than 10, wearing a mask when in public, and not needlessly going to places a lot of people may gather at once.
Ohio led the nation in following the advice of healthcare and public health professionals in shutting down quickly once COVID-19 arrived. And due to the quick action of Governor Dewine, Ohio Department of Health director Dr. Amy Acton, and others, we were able to collectively slow the spread of the disease to a manageable point. But among the good news, exists some not so good news.
Testing still is not widely available for the general public, there is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19, and there still remains the ever-looming threat of a full-on outbreak as we reopen. In addition, health disparities have magnified, disproportionately affecting those with poor social determinants of health. Domestic violence is on the rise, as is alcohol and drug abuse, affective disorders such as depression, and in the near future, we may see trauma-related behavioral health issues arise in healthcare professionals, as well as in the general population. These increases in behavioral health conditions coincide with an increase in demand for services such as online therapy and telepsychiatry. Another ill-fated side effect of the pandemic has been hesitation to visit emergency rooms during medical emergencies such as stroke and heart attacks.
If facing a medical emergency during this time, please call 911, and do not hesitate to go to the emergency room.
Health is connected, shutting down in order to prevent the spread of a deadly disease in COVID-19, which leads to an increase in other problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and gaps in routine healthcare which may lead to preventable emergency room visits. As we reopen Ohio safely, we will also be reopening access to routine healthcare. It is a fine balancing act between being safe and sound and preventing further disease (COVID-19 or others), and being reckless and causing a COVID-19 outbreak which may shut us down again. It comes down to us, and how safe we play the game.
Syed Shoaib Z Shah MD
CEO Salaam Clinic
- Continue practicing Social distance and limit gatherings to up to 10 people.
- Wear masks in public and wash hands frequently.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, hourly if touched by many people.
- Ensure workplaces are following best practices and report any violations to the Ohio Department of Health
- Take a time out from News outlets and Social Media each night
