SENIOR SELECTIONS 2020 May - COVID-19 information to stay healthy

CREATIVE IMAGE by IVY JACOBS, Times Reporter

Staying safe during COVID-19

Whether at home or at work, during day-to-day activities, people can take measures to prevent infection of the COVID-19 virus. Here are some simple tips for protecting yourself and others during this pandemic::

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to keep their hands clean - using proper hygiene - by washing their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based sanitizer. The CDC also advises the use of sanitizer - store-bought or homemade - containing “at least 60% alcohol.”

Health officials advise against touching the mouth, nose, or eyes when out and about, before having a chance to wash the hands.

Clean surfaces — such as kitchen sets and work desks — regularly with disinfectant.

If you don’t need to leave home, don’t. But if you need to leave for something essentional, like work, grocery shopping, paying bills, or doctors visits, avoid crowded areas when going out. This is especially important for people over 60 years old and people with any underlying health problems.

Use safe social distancing recommendations of at least 6-feet when in public places, and try to avoid close contact with people who display flu-like symptoms, including coughing and sneezing.

The CDC recommends the wearing of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The use of a face covering is optional, but it does provide safety for others in the case of potential asymptomatic patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing Site coming to Brazil

IVY JACOBS photo - Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), in conjunction with Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI and the Indiana National Guard, had a mobile COVID-19 testing unit in Brazil Walmart’s parking lot April 27.

The Indiana State Department of Health is arranging for a drive-thru testing site for COVID-19 to take place at Forest Park in Brazil, May 21-24th from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

The complete arrangements were not done as of press time, please check The Brazil Times for details.

Clay County Public Health Nurse Kim Hyatt confirmed the testing is free, and participants will have to provide valid identification.