According to the CDC, “Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets.
That droplet can infect you if it lands on your hands and then you touch your hands to your eyes, mouth, or nose; if it is sprayed directly in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or if it lands on a surface you touch, and you then touch eyes hands or mouth, or if it lands on food you eat.
There was an interview with Dr. Robert Amler in regard to the corona virus outbreak. I found his response on how to be safe very impressive; it was simplistic and practical, and I would like to use this week’s blog to share a few. (Dr. Robert Amler is the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College and a former CDC Chief Medical Officer who coordinated medical monitoring for anthrax response teams).
While Shopping: Follow the Six-Feet Rule
If you happen to be in a restaurant or store and you find yourself near someone coughing or sneezing, move away. If you are in an aisle where someone is sneezing stay a minimum of six feet away from or go to another aisle.
Wearing gloves to the grocery is an extra layer of protection that can be used, in particular if you are at higher risk.
Limiting points of contact
Cash, as we’ve all heard at this point, is a carrier of germs. Using your credit card limits concerns for yourselves and others alike. Even better, iPad platforms like Square allow you to not hand over your credit card to anyone.
When You Get Home: Wash up Again and Scrub Fresh Produce
When you get home, wash your hands again and to give your produce a good scrubbing in lots of fresh water (soap is not needed).
There’s No Proven Need to Wipe Down Groceries
There is no scientific evidence on this point, but an extra measure of caution does not hurt.
At Home, Keep Hands—and Surfaces—Clean
In terms of the virus’ lifespan on surfaces, the science is not clear and therefore recommends wiping down surfaces regularly with bleach (not alcohol) and washing hands frequently with soap and water (hand sanitizer is not necessary, but can be used if soap and water are not available).
Get your Flu Shot
While all of the precautions mentioned here are important, the most critical point is to stay healthy. That means getting a flu shot. You want to avoid [any] respiratory infections.
