Stay Safe and Healthy – COVID-19

Coronavirus is a pandemic identified as a respiratory illness, in its early stages and it is obviously impossible to predict its future impact.

Know How it Spreads

1. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19).
2. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
3. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
   • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
   • Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
4. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

 Protect yourself

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
2. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
5. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. 

Protect others

1. Stay home if you’re sick, except to get medical care.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
3. Properly dispose of used tissues in the trash.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
5. Wear a facemask if you are sick, especially when you are around other people.  If you are not able to wear a facemask ( because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
6. If you are NOT sick You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick and they are not able to wear a facemask.
7. Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
8. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
9. Always clean dirty surfaces with detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Symptoms to Look Out For

1. Fever.
2. Cough.
3. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
4. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Stay safe and healthy