The updates and reports on the the COVID-19 (coronavirus) have been changing daily, but what has not changed is that this virus is a serious threat and everyone should take precautions and be vigilant on proper hygiene and disinfecting of surfaces.
Important Links!
CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND RESEARCH AND POLICY >
https://patch.com/florida/pensacola/s/h1lva/flurry-of-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-in-florida?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=lifestyle&utm_campaign=alert
What are the Symptoms and When Should a Person Get Tested?
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Testing is conducted through local DOH (Department of Health) locations – via self-presentation or medical provider referral
CALL ahead to either DOH, physician office, urgent care, or Hospital PRIOR to presentation
If symptoms or backstory of concern (common cold vs Influenza vs seasonal allergies vs COVID), need to isolated and prevent spread +/- testing +/- more than symptom control in home setting (i.e. IV fluid, breathing treatments, systemic medications to treat co-morbid infection or disease), this will slow progression of the spread and buy more time for measured, communal response.
Persistence of Coronaviruses on Inanimate Surfaces and Their Inactivation with Biocidal Agents
“Coronavirus can persist on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to 9 days, but can be efficiently inactivated by surface disinfection procedures with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite within 1 minute”
What Else Can Be Done:
– Influenza vaccine – limiting viral infection in general will limit impact on entire community
– Pneumococcal vaccine – limiting bacterial infection will limit co-infection if suffer viremia
– hand washing – 20+ seconds with soap and WARM water (tip – say the alphabet)
– limit touching own eyes/mouth
– FDA approved retail/commercial hand sanitizer – 60%-95% alcohol content
– rubbing alcohol – 91% isopropyl alcohol – needs to DRY on the surface being applied to
– ethyl alcohol (ethanol) – need to be 120 proof undiluted to be 60% (Grain alcohol 120 – 190 proof)
– discourage handshakes
– “mildly ill” = stay home (employers encourage telecommute options)
– surface cleaning – FDA approved list of products:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf
Surfaces to Consider with Day-to-Day Activity:
Exercise towels
Gym equipment
Exercise/Yoga Mats
Kitchen counters and Cutting board
Mobile phone / charger cords
Appliance knobs/buttons/handles
Sinks
re-usable Water bottles
Purse/bag handles
Washcloths/sponges
Lightswitches
Keys
Pet food/water bowls
Cash
Doorknobs
Jewelry
Ride sharing vehicles
Public transportation
Elevator buttons
Handrails
Keyboard/Mouse
video game controllers
TV Remote Control / video game controls
touch screen controls
Joe Zarzaur, founder of Zarzaur Law, P.A., a Pensacola Personal Injury law firm, has created this blog in an effort to educate the many citizens and visitors of Pensacola, Florida about their legal rights. Joe Zarzaur knows the ins and outs of Florida law, and offers friendly-quality legal help whether you have experienced an auto accident/car wreck, have been a victim of medical malpractice or are in need of a personal injury lawyer. For more information, visit: https://www.zarzaurlaw.com
11 E Romana Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
Telephone: 850-444-9299
Email: info@zarzaurlaw.com