Governor Sununu just announced a stay-at-home order for New Hampshire effective until May 4,2020. You may have heard the two phrases “stay-at-home” and “shelter-in-place” during emergencies and disasters such as hurricanes, chemical explosions and even during a pandemic like COVID-19. Most people incorrectly use the term interchangeably.
Shelter-in-place orders are given when residents MUST stay inside their homes and should not leave at all costs, even for essential errands. Shelter –in-place orders are usually given after destructive hurricanes, chemical explosions and active shooting events etc.
Stay-at-home orders on the other hand are different. The same principle applies, but you are allowed to go out for essential business such as work, healthcare activity, or grocery shopping. During the order, all non-essential businesses remain closed and public gatherings are prohibited. Public areas such as parks, beaches and any area that gathers crowds will typically close.
Staying at home is not the same as sheltering in place, as you are still allowed to exercise outside, perform yard work or have outdoor activities with your kids. City and county officials are encouraging the practice of social distancing
Physical Therapy services are labeled as an essential service. Private practices like ours have been encouraged by our professional association to remain open as a safer alternative to urgent care and emergency room during the Covid-19 crisis. We can assist in evaluating, triaging, and caring for non-emergent musculoskeletal injury. Emergency rooms and urgent care centers must preserve their staff and equipment for real emergency care at this time.
We are strictly following all screening and cleaning measures recommended by the CDC.