By Christina Fiebich, Marketing Director

CNN reported yesterday that there are confirmed cases of coronavirus in California, Rhode Island, Oregon, New York, and Flordia, and two patients, both with underlying health concerns, have died.  As coronavirus cases continue to be confirmed across the US, concern rises about how we can prevent risks to ourselves and do our part to protect others. Health experts warn that the virus's spread in the US is inevitable so it's time to prepare.  The New York Times notes, "While the outbreak is a serious public health concern, the majority of those who contract the coronavirus do not become seriously ill, and only a small percentage require intensive care."  This is both good and bad new as mild symptoms could make the epidemic harder to contain.

How to Prepare for the Coronavirus

Check out this link to a New York Times article that offers a number of suggestions.  The Guardian offers a comparison between hand sanitizers and handwashing that's an important read. Of note,  

Sally Bloomfield, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says that viruses are much more resistant to disinfectants than bacteria. Luckily, she says, coronavirus is an envelope virus, meaning it has a coating around it which the alcohol can attack, thereby eliminating the threat. (Norovirus and rhinovirus, by contrast, do not).

While soap doesn't kill viruses healthcare experts recommend lathering wet hands properly, washing thoroughly including beneath nails under running water for 20 seconds, then drying with a paper towel.  Use the towel to turn off the faucet before throwing it away.  If you can't wash your hands use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content and rub for 20 seconds. Most hand sanitizers contain between 60% and 95% alcohol content but read the label. 

Prevention Tips From the CDC

The following paragraph and bullets are reprinted from the CDC's Coronavirus Prevention webpage. 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty 

Proactive Action at Your Event

If you're interested in offering hand sanitizer at an upcoming event or as a give-away, reach out to us today at 800.999.3468.  We'll ensure your branded sanitizer has the CDC recommended alcohol content.