COVID-19:
What to Do to Slow the Spread
Covid-19 is a virus that is new to
all of us, and is important for us to work towards containing the virus, not
adapting to it. While the solution for COVID-19 is a vaccine, we can all work towards
slowing the spread of the virus by learning about what precautions we should be
taking. This webpage was created to provide useful, easy-to-digest information
on the virus, the effectiveness of social distancing, and encourage others to
social distance in the midst of a pandemic.
Disclaimer: This webpage contains information that is an
adaptation from various credible sources. All up-to-date, accurate information
regarding COVID-19 within the Sacramento County can be found at Covid19.SacCounty.net. For general
information and updates, please visit CDC.gov.
COVID-19 Info Hotline: 916-875-2400
For Health Order Violations, dial
3-1-1
The following provides information
on how to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to reduce the
number of people infected. Click the icons below to redirect you.
Introduction to COVID-19
Safety Precautions: How to Reduce the Spread
Analysis of Social Distancing on the Spread of COVID-19
How to Help Your
Local Communities
Current COVID-19 Cases
Senior Resources
Introduction to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
According to the CDC, the novel
coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified.
COVID-19 is not a common virus that circulates among humans, like the common
cold. “On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official
name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first
identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease
2019, abbreviated as COVID-19,” said the CDC.
The virus spreads between people
who are close in contact with each other, approximately within six feet. It
spreads through respiratory droplets and small particles when an infected
person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. When the particles are inhaled,
this can cause infection and is thought to be the main way the virus spreads. A
person can also get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus
on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
The CDC also notes that there is
evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air
and breathed in. Indoor environments without good ventilation can increase the
risk of getting infected.
Safety Precautions: How to Reduce the Spread
Protecting yourself:
·
Know how it spreads—COVID-19 spreads from people who
are in close contact with each other. Read more about the novel coronavirus
here or at the CDC
website.
Everyone should:
·
Wash your hands often—wash your hands often with soap
and water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to wash your hands before eating,
touching your face, after using the restroom, etc.
o If soap and
water is not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
·
Avoid close contact—distance yourself at least six
feet from others who don’t live in your household.
·
Wear a face covering—you can potentially spread the
virus even if you do not feel any symptoms. Wearing a mask protects others in case
you are infected. Continue to keep a six feet distance from others as a mask if
not a substitute for social distancing.
o Do NOT use
a mask meant for healthcare workers. Surgical masks and N95 respirators are
critical supplies reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
·
Cover coughs and sneezes—always cover your mouth and
nose when coughing or sneezing. Immediately wash your hands or use hand
sanitizer if soap is not available.
·
Clean and disinfect—clean AND disinfect frequently
touch surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops,
etc. To learn more about disinfecting your home, visit CDC's
page.
·
Monitor your health daily—be alert for symptoms,
including fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other
symptoms of COVID-19.
·
Encourage others to wear a mask and social distance—if
you see others violating the guidelines of COVID-19, make reports to local
authorities or ask them to follow the mandates.
Current COVID-19 Cases
Sacramento County (Sacramento County Public Health)
|
TOTAL
CASES 12,028,081 +184,591 New Cases |
|
CASES IN
LAST 7 DAYS PER 100K 51 |
|
TOTAL
DEATHS 255,076 +1,476 New Deaths |
Source: CDC | Updated: Nov. 22, 2020 2:02 PM
Global Cases – Interactive Map (John Hopkins University)
Analysis of Social Distancing on the Spread of COVID-19
HealthAffairs.org
analyzed the effects of social distancing measures imposed by the state and
local governments. The study analyzed the period from March 1 to April 27 of
2020. The measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 included “bans
on large social gatherings; school closures; closures of entertainment venues,
gyms, bars, and restaurant dining areas; and shelter-in-place orders,”
(Courtemanche). By adopting government-imposed social distancing measures, it
was found to reduce the daily growth of confirmed cased by 5.4% after 1-5 days,
6.8% after 6-10 days, 8.2% after 11-15 days, and 9.1% after 16-20 days.
“…[These] results imply that there would have been ten times greater spread of
COVID-19 by April 27 without shelter-in-place orders (ten million cases) and
more than thirty-five times greater spread without any of the four measures
(thirty-five million cases),” (Courtemanche).
How to Help Your Local Communities
·
Help Local Residents—you can do this by donating food
or money to your local food banks, your local HART organization, as well as
housing organizations.
·
Help Seniors—check if your community has an
organization that donates meals to seniors. You can ask check in on elderly
neighbors to see if they need help getting supplies, groceries, prescriptions,
etc.
·
Help Medical Professionals—you can help by donating
blood to Vitalant to aid in the shortage of blood at local hospitals.
·
Support Local Businesses—by shopping locally, you can
help maintain your local economy and prevent businesses from shutting down. You
can also order take-out from local restaurants that offer curbside, no-touch
pick-up options or delivery service.
Senior Resources
For emergencies, call 911. For the
Statewide COVID-19 Hotline, call (800) 544-2374.
Older adults and those who have
serious medical conditions are at higher risk for developing serious
complications from COVID-19. “An analysis of more than 114,000 COVID-19
associated deaths during May – August 2020, found that 78% of the people who
died were aged 65 and older,” according to the CDC. For more
information on COVID-19 related to older adults, visit the
CDC page.
Check your local grocery stores if
they offer deliver, pickup, or senior shopping hours.
Well-being and Emotional Support
·
Sacramento
County Mental Health
1-888-881-4881,
24-hour toll-free hotline for mental health crisis.
·
Hope
Cooperative’s Peer Support Network
1-855-502-3224, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Peer support for
fears and concerns. Funded by Sacramento County Mental Health.
·
National
Disaster Distress Helpline
Toll-Free:
1-800-985-5990
SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746
TTY:
1-800-846-8517
Rayna Basa takes full responsibility for the
information posted. The information on this page represents that of Rayna Basa
and not that of California State University, Sacramento.