COVID-19 Interest Group

Advice

• Protecting Your Family   Video by Dr David Price, Weill Cornell, Cornell Med Center NYC SEE BULLETIN #3 
• CDC Cloth Face Mask Recommendation April 3 

CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States.  We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.  This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.  In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing 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.

It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.  CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

This recommendation complements and does not replace the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, 30 Days to Slow the Spread, which remains the cornerstone of our national effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  CDC will make additional recommendations as the evidence regarding appropriate public health measures continues to develop.

• ADVICE FOR 65+ AND/OR MEDICAL ISSUES

Are you over 65?  Or have heart disease, diabetes or lung disease?  Then you are at risk of potential lethal complications if you get COVID-19.

 Maybe you are already adopting personal protection measures?  Then you should feel good about yourself when you read this.

 Protect yourself with an abundance of caution.

• Remain at home.
• Ask for help from friends, allowing you to stay at home.
• For routine medical care, reschedule the appointments.
• Consult with your doctor by phone or visit their website where available.
• Do not travel in others' cars (even if it is your best friend).
• Do not visit others, not in their homes, not in a store, not in a park, not for a walk.
• Do not go shopping, but arrange for home delivery, leaving items outside your door. 
• Practice social distancing both inside and outside your home.
• Avoid handshaking or hugging. Greet people with a wave and a smile.
• Have a plan for if you get sick. Pay attention to COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough and especially shortness of breath.
• If you develop symptoms, call your doctor before heading to medical centers.
• Practice hand washing frequently.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Please wear a facemask when you are likely to meet others.
• Limit visitors entering your home.
• It is OK to have gardeners, others working around the house but do not have personal contact
• If you leave the house, leave your shoes outside when you return and disinfect your hands. 

 We are grateful for your commitment to the health of our communities. Staying home, keeping your distance from others, and all that hand washing make a big difference. All of us are needed to beat this epidemic. Your actions and determination continue to inspire us. (Copied from the message from Kaiser)