On Friday, June 12, Monroe County reported its second straight day without coronavirus cases. The numbers make it clear: things are looking up. Just because things are looking up does not mean that the pandemic is over. Here is an overview of how Rochester professionals and residents are coping in the midst of COVID-19.

The Medical Community

Prior to scheduling appointments, call ahead. A nurse and/or physician may be able to meet with you via chat, telephone, or video. Telehealth appointments are available for routine appointments as well as any appointments that may not require a face-to-face visit.

Expect prep-appointment screenings. Depending on the medical facility in question, non-emergency procedures may be available with appropriate safety precautions, including pre-appointment screenings, temperature checks, and masks.

Any locals who are interested in participating in preliminary studies for vaccines can visit the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). “Rochester General Hospital is one of only four sites in the country chosen to test the potential vaccine,” according to the Rochester Regional Health official webpage.

Reach out to the University of Rochester if you wish to participate. Call or email the university for more information.

Some patients may also be eligible for antibody testing. Ask your local healthcare provider.

Finally, Rochester Regional Health, The Mayo Clinic, and Rochester General Hospital and the Center for Clinical Research are teaming up to conduct a national clinical trial testing blood plasma from COVID-19 recovered patients. Trials are underway to determine whether the blood plasma from patients who tested positive and recovered can help treat and speed up the recovery of those currently suffering from the virus. You must be 17 years old or older to participate.

A Look At Local Businesses

How are local businesses faring? As of Friday, June 12, Rochester — as well as many surrounding areas in the Finger Lakes region — moved into phase three of reopening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. What does that mean?

Restaurants can open for dine-in services, with safety precautions like social distancing, masks for employees, and extra sanitizing. Plus, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlors will be able to open, all in accordance with phase three.

Rochester business owners joining the list of those able to reopen are “thrilled, delighted and nervous in a good way,” Rochester First reports. Precautions may vary from business-to-business but many they are taking every measure they can to ensure the safety of their patrons. Bill Herring, the owner of The Upstate Tattoo Company, is asking employees to wear face masks and shields and taking customers’ temperatures at the door using infrared thermometers.

The order may be just in the nick-of-time for some local restaurants. While safety measures are absolutely necessary to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19, restaurants are among the businesses hit hardest by the pandemic. Local favorite The Full Belly Deli announced it would shut its doors for good after 20 years in business.

Local businesses are important to the local economy. Local homeowners, local businesses, and tourists tend to have something of a symbiotic relationship. That is why homeowners contributed nearly $88 billion to their community associations in 2016. Neighborhoods and communities will likely rank higher as more businesses and resources open up to them.

In other words, the gradual reopening of local businesses will help everyone. If you feel comfortable with the safety measures in place, venture out to support your local economy! Those who wish to wait can continue to support local businesses with delivery and curbside takeout, or by purchasing gift cards.

Caring For Yourself and Your Family

Unfortunately, COVID-19 and mental health do not mix well. The coronavirus may impact socialization, increasing feelings of isolation, and loneliness. The uncertainty surrounding the virus may aggravate symptoms of anxiety and depression. For those reasons, it is especially important to take steps to actively take care of your physical and mental health during this time.

Below are some of the top ways to do it.

  • Establish a routine and stick to it. “Routine helps us cope with change, it helps to create healthy habits, and more importantly, it helps to reduce stress levels,” according to Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) Dr. Danielle Forshee. Exactly what that routine entails is entirely up to you. Start with little things, like waking up at the same time every day and following the American Dental Association’s (ADA) recommendation to brush your teeth twice a day.
  • Talk to a friend, family member, or a professional. While in-person meetings may or may not be advisable depending on your circumstances, it is more than possible to talk to a trusted friend or family member over Zoom. Many therapists and psychologists are adjusting their practices to offer remote sessions as necessary and/or when preferred.
  • Exercise. Exercise reduces levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Exercise boosts endorphins and improves your overall mood. Plus, studies show that it greatly benefits your physical health, too. In fact, just a little over one hour of exercise a day — or over seven hours of exercise per week — has been proven to increase life expectancy.
  • Have a plan. Sometimes, the uncertainty of not knowing what you would do if you suspect you are ill weighs on you. Look up your doctor’s office policies regarding COVID-19. Know the numbers to call, who you will see, and where you will go if you need in-person treatment. Keep a counselor’s number handy for mental health treatment.
  • Stop reading and watching the news. If you are feeling especially overwhelmed, chances are it is the perfect time to take a break from the news. Remember, the most troubling stories and worst-case scenarios are often the ones that are also considered the most newsworthy. Things may be a little better than your local news station suggests, and — in any case — you are always likely to benefit from turning the TV off and making some time for something you enjoy instead.

As our knowledge of COVID-19 evolves, the medical community’s, local business, and individual response to COVID-19 will evolve. Familiarize yourself with Phase 3 above. Phase 4, including arts, entertainment, churches, recreation, and more, will be next in line when the time comes.