3.3.20
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is actively responding to the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2.” The disease caused by the virus is named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” and is abbreviated as “COVID-19.”
The virus was first identified in China and is now detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United States. At this time, however, most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus and as such the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the CDC will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. The CDC is the primary source to obtain accurate information regarding this disease.
There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, in general, and include:
– Stay home when you are sick, except to receive needed medical care.
– Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
– 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.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
– Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, remotes, and bedside tables. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
For anyone in the Prairie Band Potawatomi Community who may have questions or feel that they need to seek medical treatment for possible infection of the coronavirus:
– Call the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Health Center at 785-966-8220 first.
– Tell them about your travel and your symptoms.
– Staff can provide instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.