What you can do to prevent infection
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after you blow your nose.
- Help young children do the same. If hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water to clean them.
- If soap and water are not readily available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (if soap and water are not readily available).
- Consider getting vaccinated.
- Take care of your immune system. Get plenty of rest and fluids, eat fruits and vegetables, do not smoke, take steps to reduce stress, and exercise regularly.
How can you prepare
- Prevent the spread of illness within the home by practicing good home care.
- Evaluate travel plans carefully to determine risk.
- Check in with family members who may be at increased risk and be sure they have a plan to stay healthy.
- Develop plans for alternative childcare in case of school closures.
- Pay attention to what is happening in our community so you can take appropriate action if needed.
Hand Hygiene
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) "hand hygiene, either with soap and water or with alcohol-based handrub, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading infections to others." Please remember to wash your hands, cough/sneeze into your elbow (not your hands), and stay home if you’re sick.
We will be sending additional updates as they become available. Please check your email regularly.