Here’s how you can help contain COVID-19

There’s a lot we still don’t know about COVID-19. But we do know that it’s extremely contagious – more so than many other viruses.

COVID-19 is more than twice as contagious as the flu. According to the American Medical Association, one person with the flu infects, on average, 1.3 people. One person with the novel coronavirus spreads it, on average, to three others.

Our best chance of controlling it is to keep it from spreading. You can do this by:

Social Distancing:

Stick to these social distancing guidelines:

Stay in your home as much as possible

Limit social interactions to only the most necessary

Maintain a full 6’ distance from other people

Hand hygiene:

Hand contact is one of the major vectors by which COVID-19 moves from person to person. Luckily, washing your hands with soap and water or any alcohol-based hand sanitizer like Purell® or Welly® (sanitizers should be at least 60% alcohol) is an easy way to kill the virus.

Wash your hands THOROUGHLY in warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use a clean towel to dry them. Do this throughout the day.

Remember – avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes if possible. If you have to, wash your hands both before and after.

Surface cleaning:

Early studies indicate that the coronavirus can live on surfaces for several days. Touching any surface with the virus on it can transmit it.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, kitchen counters, sinks, toilets and desks daily. Most commercial household disinfects will work. You can also make your own by diluting 1/3 cup of bleach in a gallon of water.

Covering the face:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly recommends wearing a facial covering if you have to go outside your home. Some guidelines:

Any breathable fabric can be used to make a mask, such as cotton sheets or tee shirts. Fabrics containing synthetic materials like nylon and polyester should not be used – they don’t filter well.

Your mask should be large enough to cover your mouth and nose – 6” x 10” is the recommended size.

Your mask should have two layers of fabric.

Masks should be washed frequently. One regular cycle in your washing machine should do it.

Masks should not obstruct breathing in any way, and should NOT be placed on anyone under two years of age, who has trouble breathing, on anyone unconscious or anyone who might have difficulty removing it.

Remember – even if you don’t feel sick, you can still carry the virus and transmit it to others. Please do your part and help health care providers as we get COVID-19 under control.

For more information and the latest updates regarding Mercy’s ongoing Covid-19 efforts, please visit – mercy.net/COVID19.