FACTS ON CORONAVIRUS – “COVID19”

The CDC has issued guidance for health care providers, State and Local Health Departments are working to make sure hospitals and clinics have what they need to limit the spread of the illness.

Travelers from high risk countries are screened at the airports and advised on the virus or the need for quarantine. Local Health Departments will assist with individual monitoring of residents who may have been exposed.  Currently no vaccine is available to prevent the coronavirus disease "COVID-19".  

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.  However, as a reminder the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help the spread of this respiratory diseases including: 

• 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.

The following are recommendations from the CDC for using a facemask:

The CDC does not recommend healthy people wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including"COVID-19". 

Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of "COVID-19" to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

 
The use of face masks is also crucial for healthcare workers and people who are taking care of someone in a closed setting (at home or in a health care facility).

HAND-WASHING: one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.  Washing your hands is easy, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.  Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from person to person and throughout an entire community - from your home & workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals . 

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key time when you are likely to get and spread germs:

• Before, during, and after preparing food

• Before eating food

• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the toilet

• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

• After handling pet food or pet treats

• After touching garbage

• Always wash hands when visibly dirty.

Follow these five steps every time you wash your hands.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the faucet, and apply soap.

• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap.  Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.

• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.  Need a timer ? Hum the " Happy Birthday"song from beginning to end. 

• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. 

  If soap and water are not readily available use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

  These everyday habits can help prevent the spread of several viruses. 

  PREPAREDNESS WHEN A PANDEMIC STRIKES

  The US Department of Homeland Security recommends the following:

• Store a two-week supply of food and water.

• Have any non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand including: Pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, vitamins.
  
  In general for emergency preparedness, we encourage all households to have an emergency response kit which could be used during any public health or severe weather emergency.  

  For all the latest updates on the coronavirus please visit:
  
  New Jersey Department of Health website: www.nj.gov/health
  Center for Disease control: www.cdc.gov
  US Dept.Of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov