(WHDH) — The risk for coronavirus remains low in the United States but the American Red Cross is urging the public to prepare themselves as the virus continues to sweep across the world.
The Red Cross highlighted a number of health safety and preparedness steps that Americans can take now in response to coronavirus concerns.
The steps are as follows:
LIMIT THE SPREAD OF GERMS AND PREVENT INFECTION
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
- Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, bedside tables, bathroom sinks, toilets, counters, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are healthy wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who are ill 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).
GET YOUR HOUSEHOLD READY
- Have a supply of food staples and household supplies like laundry detergent and bathroom items, and diapers if you have small children.
- Check to make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of your prescription medications, and have other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
- Know how your local public health agency will share information. Find more information here.
- Learn how your children’s schools and your place of work plan to handle any outbreak.
- People with elderly parents or relatives should have a plan in place for caring for them if they fall ill.
The Red Cross also said that it’s important to seek medical advice if you have traveled to an area affected by the outbreak, and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
It’s also important to call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your travel and symptoms.
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