Are you keeping abreast of Coronavirus updates and response? Check these resources regularly:
- PA Department of Health
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Coronavirus resources
- WHO (World Health Organization) Coronavirus resources
- Geisinger Coronavirus page and 24/7 hotline, 570-284-3657
- Evangelical Community Hospital Coronavirus update page
- Union County Coronavirus Information Page
- 2-1-1 United Way Social Service Access
- Union Snyder Community Action Agency
As with this page, all will no doubt be updated on an ongoing basis, as information changes.
While it's good if you don't have symptoms personally, the critical thing, especially given symptoms may not be immediately or ever evident, is to do your best to reduce your chance of exposure and your chance of spreading the infection should you have been exposed. So that means being aware of how it is spread and protecting yourself both with comprehensive and regular proper hand washing (with soap and water, for 20 seconds, there's even this great app that will let you put your preferred song lyrics into a handwashing poster/meme) and social distancing (staying out of indoor public spaces whenever possible and if not possible, maintaining 6' of distance from other people -- no hugs or handshakes -- and being vigilant about preventing yourself from picking contaminants up on your hands from the environment, like doors, buttons or handrails, and then transferring them to your face). And of course doing the right thing when you do sneeze or cough. Do so into either a tissue or your elbow. Dispose of any tissues immediately. And then wash your hands properly!
Here's a link to a good page on the World Health Organization website with information for the general public. They also have a great document outlining best practices for workplaces here.
It is also good to practice information hygiene -- follow reputable news sources, check for corroboration, and don't share misinformation. Another post on this topic is currently in the works.
The clear takeaway is that reducing contact to the extent possible now will enable us to weather this in the long run. That said, we need to be mindful of impacts on those most vulnerable, whether that means those over 60 who are most at risk directly from the virus or those with precarious finances who can't afford to miss a day of work by calling in sick, much less two weeks. We also need to keep in mind local businesses who depend on our trade and foot traffic. The social distancing measures have consequences, but not engaging in them has even greater consequences. We must do the social distancing and we should work to make sure that everyone thereby impacted gets sufficient support and aid to make it through.
The goal of these public health measures is to allow our communities enough breathing room to be able to address cases as they do arise, rather than be overwhelmed with a sudden increase. On the one hand, maybe we'll get better at washing our hands and finally get a handle on how hand washing with soap and water is really the gold standard for personal hygiene. Hand sanitizer has its uses, but when soap and water are available, opt for those! For awesome science detail on why, check this tweet thread out.
