With the spring like temperatures recently, it is hard to be thinking about the flu, but if you have been watching the news at all – or the stock market – you know that the coronavirus is a popular topic and has had a significant impact on the economy. At a recent Senior Leadership Team meeting it was decided we should take a few moments to comment on it but not make too much of an issue about it.
First, and most importantly, you should know there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at FCC or even in our area. There have been no reported cases in Minnesota and one confirmed case did show up in Madison. An official from the Madison State Hygiene Lab said “The risk to the public remains low in Wisconsin”. There is still some uncertainty about aspects of the coronavirus, like exactly how it is spread, but the two diseases tend to present themselves similarly in terms of symptoms. That said, we still want to assure that you are armed to deal with all infectious diseases that you may encounter.
Above all else, you are never expected to put yourself in situations where you do not feel safe. As with a number of other circumstances, when you avoid an unsafe situation make sure to report it to your supervisor.
Another thing you can do is wash your hands. Not just a quick rinse, but for at least 20 seconds with soap. In the absence of soap a sanitizer will work. And of course, try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
Other things you can do:
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze. Use a tissue if you can, and throw used tissues in the trash.
- Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces you routinely touch
You can find further information at a number of websites such as the following from the Centers For Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
The cold and flu season is not over yet, but we want everyone to come through it well. Most of the things you can do for coronavirus and other communicable diseases is common sense – if we will do the things that help!