Covid-19, Staying Healthy and Helping Reduce Transmission

The virus, Covid-19 is sweeping through our nation and sending shockwaves of uncertainty and fear along its path. The state of Arizona has relatively low numbers of cases and deaths in comparison to hot spots around the country. Some of the most important things you can do during this time is to stay healthy and do your part in reducing the transmission of this virus.

1. Stay Home

On March 30th, 2020, Governor Doug Ducey administered the Stay-At-Home order for the whole state of Arizona.This has caused all non-essential businesses to shut down, public schools are done for the year and all residents are highly encouraged to stay put at home until April 30th, 2020.

Social distancing and self-quarantine are becoming the norm for this time in our lives. The goal is to reduce the number of cases of Covid-19 so that health care workers can keep up with the demand of medical need at this time. At this time, it is recommended to stay at home, stay 6 feet away from anyone else and to only go into the public areas when absolutely needed (for food, supplies or medicine).

Physical distancing has the ability to limit the potential of exposure for many residents. The policy is referred to as “Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected.” It also recommends staying connected by connecting with friends and family virtually and sharing social service resources with those in need.

2. Wash Your Hands

Reducing transmission means keeping your hands clean and away from your face. To properly wash your hands, you will wash them many times a day (for example, after using the restroom, before prepping food, before eating, after blowing your nose, after touching garbage, etc.)

It not only matters how often you wash your hands, but how long you wash them for. Washing all sides of your fingers and hands for a minimum of 20 seconds is optimal. Many people sing a song (for example, Happy Birthday) to ensure they are washing for a long enough time.

3. Sanitize Your Home

With all the time being spent at home, now is the time to start sanitizing all the parts of your home. If you have them, you should be wiping down all surfaces, light switches, door handles, etc. with Lysol wipes or bleach disinfectant.

Unseen germs can also be milling around harder to clean areas such as couches and carpeted areas. You can use Lysol spray to cover these areas. Be sure to let them air dry and not use these areas until they are completely dry. The EPA has an approved list of products that will fight against Covid-19.

The floors of your home likely carry some of the worst compilation of germs. The best thing to use on your floors at this time is a bleach solution. According to the CDC, a mix of 1 cup of bleach with 5 cups of water will do the trick. If your floors are porous (like wood), you can try one half cup of vinegar mixed in one gallon of water.

There are others to consider when sanitizing your living quarters. Do not forget to wipe down your vehicle. Car door handles, the steer wheeling, seat belts and other surfaces can also be prone to carrying around germs. Also consider wiping down your computer, keyboard, mouse, TV remotes, debit cards and any frequently used electronics.

4. Be Smart if You Start Showing Symptoms

If you believe you or a family member is starting to show symptoms of Covid-19, there are ways to be smart about it. First off, the symptoms include a dry cough, fever, tiredness and difficulty breathing. Other people have reported aches, pains, congestion, runny nose, sore throat and diarrhea.

Many people can safely recover from Covid-19 at home. This will require a self-quarantine where you stay away from anyone else that is healthy. You should only seek medical treatment when it is absolutely necessary. If you experience the following, then medical treatment should be sought (and this is not an all inclusive list): difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in your chest, you are becoming confused or your lips or face are turning blue.

Bottom Line

Covid-19 requires the entire nation to stay healthy and help reduce the transmission through social distancing and self-quarantine. Only the essential workers and businesses should be working. The recently administered “Stay At-Home” order is to protect all the residents of Arizona and reduce the transmission of the disease.

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