Two Bay Area residents tested positive for the coronavirus on March 2, and since then the number of positive cases has continued to increase across the state and country. The Florida governor officially declared a public health emergency on March 11.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (also known as COVID-19) primarily spreads through close contact with another person. And unlike the flu, there is currently no known treatment for it.
When someone sneezes or coughs, small droplets from the nose or mouth can be inhaled by other people or land on surfaces that others touch. So when they bring their hands to their nose, eyes, or mouth before washing them, this spreads the germs to the rest of their body causing them to become ill.
In an effort to decrease the number of new cases reported every day across the globe, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has several coronavirus prevention tips we’ve adopted here at the Tampa law firm of Lorenzo & Lorenzo.
We encourage you and your family to follow these guidelines as well, if you aren’t already.
Washing hands
Use hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds and scrub thoroughly. Hands are the fastest way to spread germs to the body, so it’s best to wash them as often as possible and avoid touching the face. Studies have shown that the type of hand soap doesn’t matter, so both antibacterial or a simple bar of soap will get the job done.
Proper sanitization
Using hand sanitizer shouldn’t replace washing hands, but it is another way to help keep germs from spreading if you’re not close to clean running water and hand soap. Products containing 60% alcohol work the best for disinfecting.
Experts also recommend regularly using cleaning products with ingredients that kill germs around the home, especially on high-use surfaces like countertops, the sink, doorknobs, handles, anywhere that the hands often touch.
Practice social distancing
One of the harder steps to take is keeping a social distance of at least 6 feet from any other people, including family and loved ones. Thankfully, this is easier nowadays with the help of video conferencing technology, phone calls, grocery pickup, and delivery. So unless it is absolutely essential, the CDC highly recommends everyone stay home until orders are lifted.
Limit travelling
Driving from one city to another in the same state is not recommended. Even if you’re feeling well and displaying symptoms, you could still spread the germs to those with compromised immune systems or mature adults who have a more difficult time recovering, which is why it’s highly recommended that Americans stay home as much as possible.
The more the public can follow these restrictions now, the quicker things will return to normal.
Even during this global pandemic, there are still those who need expert legal advice for accidents and injuries. Lorenzo & Lorenzo remains committed to representing those who are suffering from negligence, workplace injuries, and everything in between.
