Staying Safe Against Coronavirus
According to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 outbreak is officially considered a pandemic. What most people refer to as Coronavirus is now affecting nearly every country on Earth, and growing every day here in the United States. Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation has made its way into the public. I would like to give you a few tips on how to stay safe as this virus continues to make its unwelcome presence known.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some basic tips for everyone. First, wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. When using hand sanitizer, cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, please stay home, except if you are going to the doctor. Our health care professionals are working hard to find a vaccine for this virus. These are trying times, but with the right information, we can help protect ourselves against this.
I also want to mention, because of the Coronavirus outbreak, the Missouri Senate has cancelled session for both the weeks of March 16 and 23. That said, my staff and Senate staff will be working remotely in order to handle any questions or concerns you may have during that time.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.