With the news of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus fresh in everyone’s ears, we wanted to take some time to reach out and give some guidance.
Although we are not medical professionals or experts, we, like you, are following the news reports. There are a few practices that we recommend you follow if you do not already do so. We do not believe there is a reason to panic, but the following suggestions can not only decrease your chances of contracting COVID-19, and also help prevent the spread of the flu and many other forms of bacteria and viruses.
· Clean your hands early and often. Use soap and water on every surface of your hands. Make sure you use warm water and lather the soap. Usage of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an acceptable substitute. Washing should be done before and after every meal, after using the restroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
· Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in public and private area’s that you come into direct contact with. Sanitize surfaces of your residence regularly. The cleaning of doorknobs, stair rails, and other highly trafficked areas should be prioritized. When going to class, it may be a good idea to wipe down your desk before and after usage with disinfectant wipes.
· COVID-19 early symptoms are similar to a cold or the flu and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, be extra diligent about sanitation. Avoid others as much as possible and seek medical care if you feel ill or develop a fever.
At this time, there are less than 50 confirmed cases in the United States. The more we do to prevent the spread of all disease, the better off we will be in the long run. Please make sure to pay attention to information released by your school, city, state, and federal governments, and the Center for Disease Control as well as the World Health Organization. As spring break approaches, be extra cognizant of your health and the health of the people around you, especially if traveling domestically or abroad.
Please see the link below for up to date information from the Center for Disease Control regarding COVID-19.