Hello everyone. This article is turning into a quite a different message than I originally planned, before the state-wide response ordered by Governor Inslee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are uncertain times, and just like you, this is all new for me. For those who heeded the advice in the disaster preparation article published in this column in February 2019, I am sure you are feeling much more relaxed and prepared than those who missed the article. Over the last five days or so, we have gotten many messages from public agencies, school districts, and businesses. I hope this is reassuring to you as, by and large, the messages are consistent, and that is very important.
In the words of Sheriff Knezovich, “Stay calm. We have plans to help you out.” I think this is perhaps the most important part of the message, stay calm.
I know how it feels when you see empty shelves in a grocery store… for me it’s the first time in my life I’ve seen it. It makes my heart race. Thankfully, my neighbors that I see in the stores appear calm. That helps us all when we keep our emotions under control and maintain our civil attitude toward each other. Hoarding goods does not help in the long run. Working together with friends and neighbors, does help in the short term and long term!
To keep yourself safe, experts are telling us wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face unless your wash your hands first and they recommend washing for 20 seconds scrubbing front and back of hands and using the palm to scrub the tips of your fingers and your fingernails. They recommend social distancing, try to keep at least 6 feet away from others, avoid gatherings of people, and practice good sneezing and coughing measures. Cover coughs and sneeze using the inside of your elbow or the upper part of your shirt sleeve, wash your hands immediately afterwards, try not to sneeze on your hands and then touch any surfaces, and finally sanitize surfaces frequently.
According to the CDC website, https://www.cdc.gov/
• Stay home except to get medical care. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick. Cover your nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Clean your hands often. Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday.
There is more good information on the various websites, so do your research. Here is a great website to access more information, https://www.spokanecounty.org/4572/COVID-19, on the Spokane County Department of Emergency Management website. Please be aware, scammers will be calling and emailing you to take advantage of the COVID-19 situation. Use extra caution in all interactions with strangers online and on the telephone. When in doubt, hang up. Local, state, and national authorities are working together for the safety and protection of everyone. Please remain calm, and call 911 or Crime Check if you need to report criminal behavior, and call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Take care.
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