With older Americans and those with underlying health conditions – hypertension in particular – the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is advising them to "stock up" for potential quarantine amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The CDC tweeted Monday:
"Older adults and people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions are more likely to develop serious outcomes, including death, if infected with #COVID19. See CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for serious illness: https://bit.ly/38ofRQc."
The CDC website lists the following guidelines for older adults and those that care for them:
Community Support for Older Adults
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Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.
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Long-term care facilities should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19. Information for long-term care facilities can be found here.
Family and Caregiver Support
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Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
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Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
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Stock up on non-perishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
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If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.