Corona Virus Preparedness

Important Links to Information on COVID-19

COVID-19 (Corona Virus) Preparedness

The potential spread of novel COVID-19 (corona virus) and impact on our communities may be anxiety-producing, as is any emergency situation. However, staying calm and taking steps to be prepared are the best course of action. Our lives will be significantly disrupted by the measures needed to respond to a global pandemic. A pandemic is a global occurrence of an infectious disease. A pandemic is a disaster with unique characteristics. The two most important differences between a pandemic and other disasters are that the whole world is going through this disaster at the same time and people may become fearful of other people. County Health continues to work with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our state and local partners to manage testing and monitoring of persons who have been exposed to COVID-19. But the focus is rapidly changing from a containment strategy to one of community mitigation --- taking steps to lessen the broad impact of the disease.

What matters most is how households, neighborhoods and communities prepare. Preparedness equals self-sufficiency. Individuals and neighborhoods should focus on three tasks --- reducing each person's chance of getting sick, helping neighbors with basic survival needs and coping with the disruptions in how our normal day-to-day world works.

It is essential that each individual:

Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer after ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
No handshaking!
Avoid areas of high risk or significant numbers of people.
Do not grasp door handles with your hand unless there is no other way to open the door. Use your closed fist or hip, disposable gloves or disinfectant wipes.
Use disinfectant wipes / paper towels / disposable gloves on store cart handles, gas dispensers or anything else you touch that has been in contact with others.
If possible, get a 90 day supply of medications.
Social distancing -- stay at least 6 ft. away from others
Make sure your emergency "Go Kit" is up-to-date with essential items.
Have enough food for several weeks.
Have a supply of essential products such as disposable gloves, toilet paper, general first aid items, and masks to use if you are sick.
Wipe packages / mail / store bought items with disinfectant wipes or avoid opening said items for several days.
Take advantage of on-line shopping where the groceries are delivered to your car for a small fee.

Neighbor to Neighbor Outreach

Check in with your neighbors regularly
Share shopping trips to town
Identify vulnerable individuals and make sure their needs are being met