High Risk Scenarios

When interviewing contacts ask about heart/kidney/lung diseases, cancers, other health conditions, medications 💊 and if they smoke. Explain that these health conditions put them at high risk for serious COVID-19 illness and death. They need to monitor their health closely for changes in their condition and seek care at a health facility 🏥 if they show COVID-19 symptoms.

Some contacts might live in places that make it harder or unsafe for them to quarantine🏠. Ask about their living situation, the number and ages of people 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 at home, and common areas that are shared. Also, contacts may have poor access to food 🍲and healthcare, limited income and unstable housing. Explain how these conditions may increase their risk to COVID-19 and connect them to community resources.

Reach out to and check for COVID-19 symptoms in at risk groups e.g. those 65+ years, pregnant women and people with health conditions. This ensures that care for at risk groups is not delayed ⏳. Communicate clearly with each high-risk group so they understand their specific situation and risk. Share materials 📄from trusted sources in the language of your community, so that they can understand.

Use empowering messages instead of messages that create fear. Do this by sharing the safety steps that they can take in their home environment to keep their household and community safe. Avoid causing fear. Be a strong advocate for your community. For example, you can ask for additional resources at the community level to meet the minimum need for water, sanitation & hygiene.