Vote safely this November!

The elections are upon us again and early voting has started in 34 states.

Elderly adults and those with chronic illnesses don’t have to subject themselves to in-person voting drama in the 2020 election.

You have the option of voting by mail, early. You can also go to the polls early especially now that people are not crowding the stations.

In either case, you get to exercise your right to vote and you do so in a safe manner.

However if you would absolutely like to vote in-person on November 3, here’s what you need to do to vote safely.

Vote safely in person in November

Masks still matter

Research continues to show that wearing a mask protects you and other people from getting SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Even for young people aged 18-34 years old who were infected, scientists are finding that the symptoms of COVID-19 like fatigue, shortness of breath and confusion, linger on after they have tested negative for the virus.

So if you plan on going to the polls on November 3, make sure to have your mask on.

It protects you. And, it protects the person who might have a severe form of the disease if they become infected.

Don’t touch surfaces while you’re out

If you’re used to touching surfaces when you’re out, intentionally reduce how many times you touch surfaces as you vote next month.

Researchers have reported that the virus can live on surfaces for hours at a time.

Chances are that you will hold doors and touch countertops and tables.

If you do touch a surface, immediately clean your hands with hand sanitizer. Which also means, it will be necessary to carry hand sanitizer with you.

And even if you do use hand sanitizer while you’re out, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds when you get home.

Continue to keep your distance

Most polling stations will have social distancing markers in place so that everyone can stay safe.

Adhering to this is still important.

Report if you feel symptoms

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 after you’ve gone to vote in-person this November, report them immediately to your doctor.

COVID-19 is a novel disease and doctors are still learning so much about the disease. They still don’t know all the effects the disease might have on a person’s health whether the are old, young, have a chronic disease or not.

Thus it’s more important than ever to receive the care you need as early as possible.