CORONOVIRUS UPDATE

As a public service, we would like to share information with you regarding the rapid developments relating to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We hope this information will help mitigate the spread of the virus in our community, which has reported at least two people who tested positive, to date, who either work or live in Southold.  We have seen the rapid spread of the virus in Italy. The country is now in lock-down for about three weeks to stem the spread of the virus.  The coronavirus has hit the older population hardest - Italy has one of the oldest populations. The median age in Italy - 45.4, U.S. - 36.9, and Southold - 51.8 years.  We have an older population in Southold and must be more vigilant to protect ourselves and our neighbors from contracting the virus.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has said, “The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.” The virus is thought to spread mainly from people who are in close contact with one another (within 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 possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Here is the latest advice from the CDC:

Protect Yourself:

·       Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or 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 with people who are sick.

·       Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. Especially people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Protect Others:

·       Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

·       When you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (throw used tissues in the trash).

·       Immediately wash your hands (follow the protocol above for washing hands)

·       If you are sick:  wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. People who are caring for you should wear a facemask.

·       If you are NOT sick:  only wear a facemask if you are caring for someone who is sick. Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

·       Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. To disinfect, use 4 teaspoons of household bleach per quart of water or an alcohol solution that is at least 70% alcohol.

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

If we all do our part, we can help reduce the spread of COVID19 in our community and protect those who are most vulnerable to serious illness.

 
Sources:1.  As Virus Spreads, Italy Locks Down Country, Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2020, pp A1 and A9    2. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) What You Should Know, March 11, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-