Labor Day Weekend: Have Fun, Be Safe

Labor Day Weekend is commonly known as the last three-day weekend of summer.

We encourage you to get outdoors and safely mingle with family and friends. Here are a few tips to help you make the best of your holiday weekend as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

• Follow masking guidelines. While many states have dropped mask mandates, local governments and businesses may ask you to wear a mask. Keep one handy in the event you are in a crowd of people. Remember to use a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
• Get outside. With sunshine and warm temperatures in the forecast, it’s going to be a beautiful weekend! Outdoor events and activities have proven to be significantly safer than indoor spaces, where COVID-19 transmission is a lot easier.
• Maintain physical distancing. If you do find yourself in a crowded venue, try to maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others.

Check out updated travel tips for Labor Day weekend from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)!

Seek medical care when necessary

Valley Health is ready to help you in the event of immediate medical care for a wide range of problems. Our six emergency departments and all of our urgent care centers have safety measures in place to protect you from virus exposure.

If you or a loved one have any of the following symptoms, that don’t go away after a few minutes, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel can begin life-saving treatment right away, even before you get to the hospital.

• Chest pain/discomfort, severe headache or migraine
• Upper body discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fatigue/weakness
• Heart palpitations
• Sudden weakness/numbness of the face, arm, or leg
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or seeing

Many times, telehealth or urgent care is most appropriate for non-emergent medical attention. You should schedule a virtual visit or Urgent Care appointment at www.vhurgentcare.com if you have the following conditions:

• Cuts/laceration
• Sprain or strain
• Cough/cold
• Flu-like symptoms
• Sore throat/strep
• Pink eye or sty
• Earache
• Splinters
• Poison ivy/oak
• Allergy symptoms
• Sinus congestion and infections
• Urinary tract and bladder infections
• Insect bites
• And other commons symptoms or illnesses

Get your COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is readily available across our region. For more information about how to receive yours, visit Valley Health’s vaccination website.

Please do not let concerns about COVID-19 keep you from seeking medical attention if you are in crisis. EMS teams can administer life-saving medical care en-route to the hospital. Our Emergency Department teams are standing by to help and our hospitals remain safe places to receive care.