Dr. Casale:Yellow means proceed with caution

Luzerne County entered the “yellow phase” on Friday with Lackawanna County scheduled to follow on June 5, so although we’ve covered some of this ground, I’d like to rehash what that means for our communities as we begin to reopen our society.

In returning to patronize our local businesses, we must proceed with caution and remain vigilant with our safety measures, including physical distancing, respiratory hygiene and public masking.

The governor has released guidelines on his phased approach to reopening, and it’s important to note that the red, yellow and green descriptions do not exactly equate to what we think of when we use those colors to control traffic.

While the red phase indicates counties still under a stay-at-home order, the green phase does not represent and uninhibited “go.” Even in the green phase, businesses will have to abide by occupancy limits and adhere to health and safety orders.

But in the yellow phase, the analogy works as the idea is to proceed with caution. The important thing to remember is —here comes the broken record — we can limit the spread of this virus if we work together as a community.

The safety measures are put in place to keep members of the public from transmitting COVID-19 to one another but also to allow people to rekindle their businesses in the safest manner possible. So, the effect of following these guidelines is reciprocal. Abiding by these recommendations is our best tool to keep new cases of COVID-19 at bay and keep our local businesses open.

Ignoring these measures could be disastrous for both.

For the customer, participating in this effort is simple. When entering a business, wear your mask. Most businesses have posted signs that notify customers they cannot enter without one, and it’s a minor annoyance to overcome to keep your friends and neighbors safe.

While inside, stay 6 feet from other patrons. Most business have signs or tape on the floor indicating the necessary spacing between customers as they approach the register.

If you must cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow, and refrain from touching your face. A lot of folks are suffering from allergies during this spring season, but if you suspect you have symptoms of a virus, please stay home and seek medical care if your symptoms persist or become severe.

And please wash your hands thoroughly and as frequently as possible. Remember, lots of soap and water for two singings of “Happy Birthday” does the trick … alcohol hand sanitizer is an OK second best option.

Recognition of these safety precautions will provide as much support to your local businesses as your money will, because it will afford them the opportunity to remain in business.

For the businesses themselves, the set of guidelines is complex and can be overwhelming, but help is available. In mid-May, Geisinger launched an online resource hub for businesses that features tools, information and guides to help employers keep their staff members and customers safe. Local business owners can access the hub by visiting go.geisinger.org/businessresources.

The site offers frequently asked questions, guidance for screening employees, signage promoting handwashing and physical distancing in the workplace, and more.

Alongside these businesses, Geisinger will continue to phase in services that were delayed when the pandemic began to take hold in our region, but we can only do that insofar as it is safe for our patients and the community at large.

It’s vital that we all remember this process could revert to where we were several weeks ago if we do not take care to take care of one another and limit the spread of this virus in our own neighborhoods.

And please remember, if you have a medical need, call your doctor and for emergencies, ERs are indeed safe and appropriate.