During a time of nationwide panic from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we urge everyone to remain calm. Simply practicing good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. The simplest and most important step, washing your hands, is the biggest tool in combating the spread of the virus. Following these measures is highly recommended to ensure the safety of everyone, and yourself.
Washing your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. We highly recommend washing your hands for 20 seconds or more to ensure dirt, derbies, and germs are thoroughly removed.
Social distancing
Maintain at least a 3-foot distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Keep surfaces clean
Disinfect high-traffic surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner or disinfecting wipes. COVID-19 can live on hard plastic and metal surfaces for up to 3 days, so consistent cleaning can keep the virus at bay.
Don’t touch your face
While your skin does a great job of protecting you from outside entities, touching your face can give the virus access to parts of your body that don’t have that same protection as your eyes, nose, and mouth. Once your hands are contaminated the virus can spread when you rub your eye, for example. Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Or cough into a tissue and dispose of it immediately after use.
If you have symptoms, seek medical care
If you’re coughing, sneezing or running a fever, seek medical attention immediately. Call your doctor first to let them know of your symptoms so they can prepare for your arrival. Do not leave your house unless otherwise instructed and remember to always follow the directions of your local health authority.
Stay informed
Stay informed of the latest developments about Coronavirus and follow advice from your healthcare providers. Follow your local and national public health authorities on social media, turn-on news notifications on your phone, and keep an eye on the news for the latest with COVID-19. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area.
These are some straightforward steps that we can all take to help reduce the burden on health services in the weeks ahead. The best idea of them all is to stay inside and stay informed. If you feel it is necessary to go out in public, please remember, do not panic. Practice these simple steps to protect yourself wherever you go.
The health of our staff and Advisors is our top priority. We are leveraging our remote networks to provide the same continued support to our Advisors and clients that they would receive any other day and we urge everyone to practice the safety guidelines provided to us from the CDC and local health advisors as we continue with our day-to-day activities