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MCC Daily Tribune

How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

At this time, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) at MCC. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, there are 121 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Monroe County. The Monroe County Department of Public Health has placed 534 people into mandatory quarantine and isolation.

By transitioning to distance teaching and learning, MCC is doing its part to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide up-to-date and reliable information to protect you and save lives. The CDC website details symptoms, what to do if you feel ill, and a self-checker to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care.

The site also includes ways to help manage anxiety and stress if you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety at this time. The following information is a sample of the wealth of information that is available on the site.

A. Know How it Spreads

  • There is currently no vaccine 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 or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

B. Take steps to protect yourself

1. Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, 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.

2. Avoid close contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people

C. Take steps to protect others

1. Stay home if you're sick except to get medical care.

2. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

3. Wear a facemask if you are sick and plan to be around other people. If you are not sick, you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Thank you for doing your part to stay healthy and stop the spread of COVID-19. If you have questions about COVID-19, please contact the Monroe County Department of Public Health at (585) 753-5555 or COVID19@monroecounty.gov.

Jacqueline Carson
Health Services
03/26/2020