People urged to still use care with coronavirus

Staff and wire report

With Montana now into its third week of the Phase One re-opening, Gov. Steve Bullock and others continue to stress the importance of reducing the spread of novel coronavirus 2019 and the illness it causes, COVID-19.

While new facts about the disease and virus are still being discovered, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is continuing to list what people can do to reduce exposure and protect themselves from acquiring the virus.

CDC also warns that older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness. More information is available on ”Are you at higher risk for serious illness?” at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html .

CDC has a page listing “How to Protect Yourself and Others.”

Know how it spreads

• No vaccine yet exists to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 — COVID-19.

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

- Between people who are in close contact with one another — within about 6 feet.

- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should

Wash their hands often

• People should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after they have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, people should use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. They should cover all surfaces of their hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• People should avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside their home. If possible, they should maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.

• Put distance between themselves and other people outside of their home.

- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

- Stay at least 6 feet — about two arms’ length — from other people.

- Do not gather in groups.

- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.

- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover their mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• People could spread COVID-19 to others even if they do not feel sick.

• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.

- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

• People should not use a facemask meant for a health care worker.

• People should continue to keep about 6 feet between themselves and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• People who are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering should remember to always cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze or use the inside of their elbow.

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

• Immediately wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, they should clean their hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• People should clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.

• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.