Corona Visus (COVID-19)
Flue seasons come and go. This season is very different due to the impact on our community, economy, as well as many unanswered questions, i.e. Where did this virus come from? How is COVID-19 different than typical flu viruses? Is there a cure? Who is most affected by this virus? Due to the need of getting this information out ASAP, I will address these questions at a later time. For now, I would like to address how to reduce your chances of getting COVID-19.
COVID-19 is extremely contagious. different in that it is more easily contracted from individual to individual, there are precautions that are extremely beneficial:
1. When you cough or sneeze, place your mouth into the elbow area of your sleeve or tissue. Discard used tissues immediately after use. Try not to reuse tissues.
2. Wash your hands often and immediately after coughing or sneezing;
3. DONT touch your face. Touching your face allows the transmission of the virus from hands to your eyes, nose, and or mouth;
4. Wash all contact surfaces regularly with soap and water. Water breaks down the lipid envelope that contains the RNA materials inside. This causes the virus to die;
5. When opening doors, etc., use a barrier between your hand and the doorknob. Fold the doorknob side of the barrier (tissue, face cloth, napkin, etc.) inward. Always have the side that is in contact with your hand to the outside when folding;
6. Carry hand sanitizers with you throughout the day;
7. Stay a minimum of six feet away, especially when inside or downwind from others;
8. DO NOT share items with others as sharing allows the spread of this virus to occur more easily.
It is believed that the virus can live 24 hours on cardboard, 72 hours on metals or plastics, and up to 7 days on clothing. Direct sunlight, dry air, and dry surfaces help reduce the survivability of the virus.
Bob Hawley is a Council-certified Infection Control Consultant and will develop your protocols for the reduction of spreading or contacting COVID-19.
If you require additional information, feel free to call (413) 569-8890.