Oprah Winfrey is self-quarantined during the coronavirus pandemic, but she’s doing so without her longtime partner Stedman Graham by hr side. In an interview with Oprah Magazine’s digital director Arianna Davis, she revealed that he’s been living in their guesthouse just as an extra precaution to protect them both.
“He’s at the guesthouse, because you all know I had pneumonia late last year…I had just gotten off of antibiotics last week, because I had a bronchial infection,” Oprah explained. “‘I don’t see what everybody’s getting so upset about!’ That’s what Stedman was saying… and that’s why Stedman’s at the guest house!” she said, after explaining that he didn’t take the virus seriously at first.
“Stedman did not arrive from Chicago until Thursday, he had been speaking in St. Louis… he’d been on planes, so Stedman is like ‘What’s the procedure for coming home?'” Oprah said. “The procedure is… you ain’t coming and sleeping in my bed! And literally, he goes, ‘I’m not?’ And I go, ‘Have you not been paying attention to the news? Social distancing does not mean you go and sleep in the same bed with the person! When you just got off American Airlines!'”
She said Stedman gets food delivered to the front door of the guesthouse and the two chat through the window regularly.
Oprah also added that she isn’t bored during the isolation.
“I’m never bored, because I always have myself. I never feel alone, have never felt alone, because I just love being with myself,” she said. “So this is more time to be with myself without the guilt. Usually it’s like, you’re with yourself but everybody wants to be someplace else. But there’s nowhere to be!”
Heath officials are urging people to remain in their homes as much as possible and avoid all social gatherings. Additionally, the CDC has issued some tips for helping to avoid contracting the disease.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
