Don’t Panic…Stay Calm…Avoid Spreading Rumors and Fear

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is aggressively responding to the global outbreak of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). The spread of the disease is evolving at a rapid pace. The most reliable information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

The risk of getting COVID-19 in the U.S. is currently low. There is no vaccine. The best way to prevent the spread of this respiratory disease is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Frequently clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. 

• The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

• 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. 

Be prepared for a COVID-19 outbreak in your community and follow the recommendations of your local Public Health authorities to reduce the spread of the virus. 

Stock up on your daily medications. Purchase a couple of weeks’ supply of foods as well as other essentials: toilet paper, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent. 

Controlling or reducing crowds at community-based interventions such as school and public event cancellations, social distancing, and employees working remotely can help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The majority of cases of COVID-19 don’t require hospitalization. You might have a fever, feel very sick, and recover slowly over the course of a few weeks. Fever, cough and shortness of breath are an indication that you should contact a health care provider. COVID-19 will have a greater impact on the elderly, chronic diseased,  and immunosuppressed individuals.

Wide-spread viral epidemics and pandemics are scary. Stay calm, encourage others not to panic. Avoid spreading rumors and fear. The spread of the coronavirus is emotionally disruptive, difficult to fully grasp and for some people dangerous. 

Taking real steps to mitigate the effects it may have on you or your family isn’t a silly thing to do — it’s an intelligent and responsible response to the global outbreak of COVID-19.