Local, State and Federal Governments Recommend ‘Social Distancing’ to decrease the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Massachusetts currently has the 4th highest # of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States. As of March 14th, there were five (confirmed or presumptive) cases in Essex County. The vast majority of those contracting the virus will have mild to moderate cold or flu-like symptoms.Some will have more serious illness. Minimizing spread of the virus and maintaining hand hygiene, other recommendations and healthy lifestyles are important. If you develop symptoms, call your primary care physician.
‘Social distancing’ means “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” “Mass gatherings” is defined differently by different states. In the state of Massachusetts, gatherings of 250 or more are currently not recommended. In many instances. Many schools have closed and some businesses are having employees work from home whenever possible. Click on this link for more information on the importance of social distancing.
Choose your news from reliable sources, stop the rumors and avoid panic.
Below is More Information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention:
Preventive Measures:
As a means of preventing transmission of any respiratory infection, please practice the following activities:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; Hand washing etiquette
- Frequently clean common touchpoint surfaces, including but not limited to electronics, door knobs, and countertops;
- Avoid sharing food utensils, containers, and other personal items;
- Distance yourself from someone who appears sick;
- Stay home from work if you are sick; and,
- Etiquette for Coughing and Sneezing
“Older people, especially those with underlying health issues and compromised immune systems are more at risk. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. In addition, people of all ages, with or without disabilities, seem to be at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 if they have serious chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.”
Reducing exposure is especially important for people at higher risk of complications!
If you are at higher risk, CDC recommends that you:
- Stay at home as much as possible if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
- Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time. CDC has great resources to help you plan.
Key Facts of the Coronavirus (CORVID-19) from the CDC
More information from the CDC. Information is changing rapidly, even daily and in some instances even more frequently; Stay up-to-date and informed through reliable sources like the ones mentioned here and through your local town, city and state public officials.
Remember, kindness and patience go a long ways during times of crisis! Take good care of yourself, and one-another.
Photo © Karen Pischke. Good Harbor Beach. Gloucester, MA
Social distancing?
if you are healthy, you can still get out and take a walk at the beach to relieve stress. Just follow the recommended (6 feet) social distance. Enjoy exercise, healthy fresh air, sunshine, and the sound of the sea at the beach. Or spend some time in your yard and garden, take a walk on the boulevard or in the woods, and enjoy all the benefits from being out in nature.
#socialdistancingatthebeach #lovecapeann #lovegloucester #publichealthinitiative
During this time of uncertainty, there can be increased anxiety and worry. Click here for information on Managing Stress and Coping
Sources:
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Heath Organization (WHO)
- United Nations
Dreamtime Wellness is offering support for relaxation, stress management and improved coping at discounted prices, sliding scale and even ‘free’ through ‘virtual’ sources during this health crisis during the week of March 17th. (See below)
