COVID-19
As we face COVID-19 in our community, it is imperative that we do everything possible to keep ourselves healthy. I hope this message provides some guidance as we all adapt to this unprecedented situation.
How to prevent and prepare for COVID-19
Firstly, please do not panic. We can limit the spread to reduce the number of sick patients requiring urgent medical care. So it is extremely important that we all practice social distancing. Avoid social gatherings, hugs, handshakes, busy places, or traveling. Why? The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the coronavirus if the person coughing has the disease.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.Clean your hands especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces. Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, first clean with detergent or soap and water, and then disinfect. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants, (link:) diluted household bleach solutions, and alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol will work.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your hands. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Throw away used tissues in the trash. Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Limit visits to the elderly, immune-compromised or chronically ill. Please stay home where possible. Self-isolate if you have mild flu-like symptoms or if you travelled anywhere within the last two weeks and even if you do not currently have symptoms.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your hands. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Throw away used tissues in the trash. Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Limit visits to the elderly, immune-compromised or chronically ill. Please stay home where possible. Self-isolate if you have mild flu-like symptoms or if you travelled anywhere within the last two weeks and even if you do not currently have symptoms.
