I really struggled with the title of this post. There are many differences of opinion out there right now and I would never presume to be an authority on the right or wrong actions of any individuals. As a nurse, however, I do feel a responsibility to focus on the science behind recommendations, reiterating that even now, there is still so much that we don’t know about COVID-19, and erring on the side of caution has always been my style, even before this pandemic.

When I look around in my community in southeastern Pennsylvania and on social media, it is clear there are many different views. I do understand the toll that this pandemic is taking, both on those who have been affected by the virus personally or have seen it up-close in a family member or friend, and those who have had major impacts on their career, finances, and/or mental health.

I felt compelled to write this for nurses because we did get some questions related to communication with family and friends during our webinar, Calming the COVID Storm: Delivering Effective Clinical and Nursing Care. Here’s some guidance to help diffuse difficult conversations and answer some of the questions that you may be asked. Let’s work on this together – please leave a comment if you have other questions or answers to add!

Question: Why do I have to wear a mask?
Answer: We know that the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads very easily between people. By wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth, you are potentially protecting others from getting the virus from you (and spreading it) if you have the virus and are asymptomatic or presymptomatic.

Question: Do I still have to social distance?
Answer: Maintaining six feet of distance between people is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With what we know now, the best way to control the spread of this virus is to maintain physical distance, wear a mask, keep your hands clean, and avoid crowds.

Question: Should I take hydroxychloroquine?
Answer: It’s important to stay educated on the latest research and the advice of your own health care provider, who knows your medical history. Currently, both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the FDA recommend against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19. Studies are ongoing; the NIH regularly updates the COVID-19 treatment guidelines based on current research results.

Question: Will my kids go back to school this fall?
Answer: The decisions on how and when to open schools safely will be determined by your local public leaders, as circumstances differ by geography. (You can also refer people to the CDC document on Considerations for Schools and here’s another good read for parents, What Parents Can Learn From Child Care Centers That Stayed Open During Lockdowns.)

Question: Why can’t we go to the ____ (fill-in the blank here: concert/party/graduation/etc.)?
Answer: As we learn more about COVID-19, it is important to limit its spread. It has been demonstrated many times since the beginning of the pandemic that crowds – whether at parties, restaurants, concerts, or religious services – increase the spread of the virus. Physical distancing, along with everyday protective actions (handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces), are recommended. The risk of COVID-19 spread increases the more closely a person interacts with others and the longer the duration of that interaction; follow state or local regulations related to large gatherings. (You can also refer people to the CDC documents on Gatherings and Community Events.)

As states around our country develop and enact plans to open up, we must remember that every individual has their own story and has to ‘open up’ at the pace that is right for them. It’s important to respect one another. Answer questions with the facts, acknowledge the unknown, and please, always be kind.