Coronavirus; How To Protect Yourself & Do Your Part to Stop the Spread
 
By Ex Chief Bill Renzetti
March 25, 2020
 

HOW IT SPREADS

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF - CLEAN YOUR HANDS OFTEN

• 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.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT OTHERS - STAY HOME IF YOU'RE SICK

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately 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.

FACEMASKS

• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, 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. Learn what to do if you are sick.

• 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). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

CLEAN AND DISINFECT

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Additional information available from the Centers for Disease Control at the link below.

 
Hyperlinks: What Are The Symptoms Of COVID 19
What To Do If You Are Sick
Testing Information For COVID 19