COVID-19 Community Questions and Answers | How to Stay Protected

RECO Intensive has prepared FAQs to address key concerns we have heard from the South Florida community regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including information from the CDC on the risk to people with underlying health conditions and steps you can take to protect yourself, your friends, and your loved ones.

We are aware that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is causing significant concern, not only locally, but worldwide. The following FAQs are intended to address key concerns. We encourage you to refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information.

Who has an increased risk for COVID-19 infection?

• Evidence has shown that older adults and people with underlying health conditions seem to be at greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
• The CDC has issued guidelines for people who are at higher
• The CDC recommends you take everyday precautions
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Clean your hands often, as frequently as possible
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer
  • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch
  • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes,
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
  • Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.
  • Stay up to date on CDC Travel Health Notices.

Is it safe for me/my loved one to continue going to treatment? 

• Individuals receiving Substance Abuse treatment should maintain their regular care regimens. If you have questions or concerns about your facility’s Pandemic Response Plan , or if you are in an area affected by COVID-19, we recommend contacting your care center directly to ensure it is properly prepared and suitable to your
• We recognize that every individual’s circumstances are Questions about your personal risk factors should be directed to your care team, who can help you determine if you should take additional precautions.

Will wearing a mask prevent me from getting infected?

• Commonly available surgical and cloth masks have not been shown to protect against becoming infected with COVID-19.
• RECO intensive will provide properly fitted N95 masks if needed, which could help prevent transmission of the COVID-19

What are the symptoms, and what do I do if I get sick?

• RECO Intensive is required to report Patients Under Investigation (PUI) to the Department of Health and Human Services. The PUI criteria is as outlined:

• If the PUI criteria is met, our physician will communicate with the Center of Disease Control (CDC) for instructions on testing for CPVID-19. There are several ways you may be tested
  • Swab A health care provider will use a special swab to take a sample from your nose or throat.
  • Nasal A health care provider will inject a saline solution into your nose, then remove the sample with gentle suction.
  • Tracheal A health care provider will put a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope down your mouth and into your lungs, where a sample will be collected.
  • Sputum test. Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. You may be asked to cough up sputum into a special cup, or a special swab may be used to take a sample from your
  • A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
• The FDA has approved more widespread use of a rapid test for COVID-19. The test, which was developed by the CDC, uses samples from the nose, throat, or It enables fast, accurate diagnosis of the virus. The test is now allowed to be used at any CDC-approved lab across the country.

| Continue to watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs |

• Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Bluish lips or face

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.