By Scott Robertson

Dignity Health Central Coast want to remind you to stay safe and protected. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises individuals to consider how to minimize exposure and the spread of coronavirus as some communities begin to hold events.

The more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and spreading the virus to others.

Our hospitals, outpatient centers, primary care offices and urgent care centers and ready to provide for the health and safety of our patients, and want to remind you to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. The only successful remedy for slowing the spread of the virus is by taking appropriate precautions. We urge you to continue to make your health and safety a priority by:

— Wearing a face covering when outside your home and coming into contact with others.

— Keeping a distance of six feet between you and others outside your home.

–Washing your hands often.

–Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

–Staying home when you are sick.

The CDC states that the risk of spreading at events and gatherings increases as follows:

–Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings.

–More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear cloth face coverings, do not share objects, and come from the same local area.

–Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings that allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.

–Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.

–Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals have taken extensive measures to ensure the continued safety of our patients and staff, and if we all do our part to stay safe, together we can make an impact on reducing COVID-19 cases in our community.

• Dr. Scott Robertson is chief medical officer for Dignity Health Central Coast, which owns and operates hospitals in San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, Oxnard and Camarillo.