FV Newsletter

 



If you have questions/concerns regarding COVID-19, a few of the best resources for information and answers is the Orange County Health Care Agency. You can check their website, for updates and information. The California Department of Public Health also has frequently updated information as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

According to the CDC there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus which is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This type of exposure is between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possible be inhaled into the lungs.

The CDC also states older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. They recommend consulting with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself. Additionally, they offer the following tips:

Take these steps to protect yourself:

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others:

• Stay home if you’re sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Wear a face mask if you are sick and you are around other people and before you enter your healthcare provider’s office.
• If you are NOT sick, you do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick and they are not able to wear a face mask.

Clean & Disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.