What You Can Do to Stop the Spread of Coronavirus

We all have a responsibility to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The American people are on the front line of this fight and an informed public is our best hope to win it. 

President Trump’s task force announced new guidelines for every American to follow as we combat the virus. These guidelines encourage Americans to work or study from home; refrain from non-emergency travel; and avoid social gatherings in groups of more than ten people, as well as avoiding eating or drinking in bars, restaurants and food courts. These steps—commonly referred to as “social distancing”—are imperative to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. President Trump has announced the task force will be extending the guidelines to April 30th to slow the spread

Most individuals who contract COVID-19 come down with mild symptoms and have recovered quickly. However, older Americans and those with compromised immune systems may not be so lucky. It is important to remember that while you may feel healthy and not fall into a high-risk category, slowing the curve is more about protecting your family, coworkers and neighbors who do not have that luxury. If we all adhere to these commonsense steps, we can dramatically slow the curve and blunt the spread of the disease.

While it is important to limit trips to the grocery store for social distancing purposes, please try to refrain from buying more than you need. The supply chain is strong. You will be able to get the groceries you need without depleting the options for others

Along with the president’s guidelines, the CDC has issued commonsense recommendations for everyday preventive actions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

  • 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.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • NOTE: CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
    • CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
  • 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 your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Lastly, join me in thanking the doctors, nurses and medical professionals on the front lines of the fight. They are being stretched in an unprecedented way. We are indebted to them for their efforts.

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