The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as an infectious disease that’s caused by a “newly discovered coronavirus.” To combat COVID-19 in the United States, President Trump has asked all Americans to do their part in slowing the spread of the virus. The president is asking that all citizens listen and follow the directions of their state and local authorities, which includes the following advice.
How does the virus spread? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 mainly spreads through person-to-person contact. Generally, it’s spread through “close contact,” which means people who are six or fewer feet away from each other. People contract the virus through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. For this reason, you are urged to practice “social distancing” and remain six feet away from people, especially when you’re outside your home.
Take This Advice to Stay Safe
If you feel sick for any reason, you are asked to stay home. Please, do not go to work. Contact your medical provider before you go and they will direct you to the appropriate location. If your children are sick, keep them home. Do not let them play with friends or go to school, and be sure to contact their doctor right away.
If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, make sure they stay home. Don’t let them leave the house to go to work, grocery shopping, or to the local pharmacy. Contact their medical provider for instructions.
If you are age 65 or older, you are strongly advised to stay home and avoid contact with other people. The elderly are more vulnerable to suffering from a serious illness from COVID-19 because of their weakened immune systems.
Do you have a serious underlying medical condition, such as one that compromises your immune system, your heart or lung function? If so, please stay home and please stay away from other people. Like elderly individuals, you are at a high risk of suffering serious complications if you are infected with the coronavirus.
Additionally, everyone is urged to wash their hands frequently with soap and to disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. To learn more about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s FAQ page. And for local updates, we recommend visiting S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s website.