Be safe Birmingham: tips to prevent the spread of the coronavirus
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Rightfully so, everyone is concerned about coronavirus or COVID-19, which has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Alabama may be one of the last states to confirm a case of the virus, we all need to be prepared and also learn how to keep our families, friends, neighbors and selves safe.
Personally, as a caretaker of two in-laws who are over 80 years of age,I want to do everything I can to prevent them from contracting the illness, along with my family and friends.
To help, we’ve prepared a useful list of links and guidance re-published from the CDC website with steps you can take to prevent COVID-19.
Let’s Start with Links
Local assistance and information are critical. For updates and the latest information on what is happening in our community concerning the coronavirus epidemic, bookmark the following pages:
Jefferson County Department of Health (Additional Tips) – HERE
Alabama Department of Public Health
Prevention Tips from the CDC
1. Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
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- Wash your hands (often!) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
3) Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
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- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
4) Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
5) Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them.: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
Options include:
Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation.
Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.cleaner? Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Alcohol solutions
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Visit the CDC website regularly for updates on ways you can prevent the coronavirus
