Stay Safe! Take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19
Masks are a must ... The local COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise. Masks are a must when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn by everyone, whenever they leave the home. Pictured above is the Housekeeping Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital taken during National Environmental Services Week. Hospital staff wear masks and face shields, like those pictured here, while working at the hospital, and continue to use precautions whenever away from home. Submitted photo.
The local COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise. Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care declares that “masks are a must” when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn by everyone whenever outside the home.
Sheryl Darling-Mooney, RN of Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health Department states, “We can still enjoy those outdoor, fall activities, but we must follow the safety guidelines outlined by the CDC. Masks really do work to stop the spread of COVID-19 so please wear them in public places, especially the grocery and convenience stores.”
Mooney adds, “Always physically distance from one another even when you are wearing a mask and wash your hands frequently. No one wants to be quarantined for two weeks, so please always take these precautions to keep yourself and others safe.”
Below are the recommendations on how to stop the spread of COVID-19 from the Iowa Department of Public Health:
• Practice social distancing.
- Stay away from gatherings of people.
- Maintain a six-foot distance between one another.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Stay home when ill - even mildly ill.
Everyone can do his or her part to help respond to COVID-19. Everyday prevention methods are very important:
• Wash hands frequently.
• Stay home if ill.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Perform routine cleaning:
- Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.
Donations of face masks are still graciously accepted at the Veterans Memorial Hospital main entrance, especially with the greater need now with the reopening of many services. Face mask donations are also still accepted at Waukon Economic Development, Lansing City Clerk, Postville City Clerk and Monona Chamber of Commerce offices. These masks are then being handed out to elderly and immune-compromised to help them stay safe when they have to leave their homes.
For more information, call Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health at 563-568-5660.
