Covid-19 basics
Submitted by Nathan Steffenson on
More information at:
https://mn.gov/covid19/
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Keep at least 6 to 12 foot distance from other people when possible. wearing masks is not a substitute for this.
- Stay at home when sick
- avoid unnecessary travel and avoid large groups
- cover your cough/sneeze - wash hands
- Don't touch your face, since that moves germs in your hands go to your face
- Governor Walz has mentioned although traffic is down, fatal traffic crashes are up for this time of year. This is most likely due to speeding. People are reminded to be safe for essential travel.
- Medical Problems/needs: When possible call first or use telemedicine/ online visits when being treated for anything that isn't an emergency/urgent
- Do whatever you can from home - classes, work, virtual support groups if these help you, video/online religious services if this is suitable for you, etc.
- Remember basic things to stay healthy-
- Stay hydrated - drinking enough water
- eat healthy foods
- get plenty of rest/sleep
- get exercise and fresh air
- exercising every day -- walking, running, or biking can help build lung capacity
- Don't be sedentary. Sitting or laying in place too long can cause blood clots. Most people have stopped sitting in cars or planes so this solves one problem. Avoid sitting too long doing distance learning, telecommuting, watching tv and avoid laying too long recovering from an illness. Blood clots are associated with people ill from the coronavirus.
- avoid drinking alcohol since this will make you dehydrated and make it harder for your body to fight off infections
- avoid smoking and avoid vaping since it will make you and others more susceptible to getting ill.
- good oral hygiene- brushing teeth and flossing and rinsing
- stay up to date with vaccinations for other illnesses and wellness checks including for children.
- Keep things clean and sanitary -clean surfaces, wash dishes, rinse and take out recycling, take out garbage(This does NOT mean leaving big items that you have been waiting to get rid of at the curb), wash clothes, shower/bathe(this is not a substitute for frequent hand washing)
- masks are suggested by CDC in public such as grocery shopping.This is suggested since some since some people may not have symptoms and can still spread. It is for the person wearing the mask not to spread to others. Wear protective gear when necessary including masks and gloves
- people with breathing trouble, or other problems caused by wearing it, or under age 2 should not wear masks
- If wearing cloth masks be sure to keep it clean/laundered as germs are likely to build up on it.
- Medical masks are asked to be saved for for care providers/medical professionals and those that are sick, or when it is required for your work(dust). Since these are limited in supply if you do not need it for these reasons cloth masks or other masks that are not in short supply can be used.
More information at:
https://mn.gov/covid19/
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
originally published March 30 2020. Several updates after.
