Take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 this summer; Masks are a must
Homemade face mask donations still needed ... The local COVID-19 numbers are still on the rise. Masks are a must when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn by everyone, even in the summer time when everyone wants to be out enjoying summer activities. Homemade masks, such as those pictured above, are still being used at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon and more donations of those masks continue to be needed. Submitted photo.
The local COVID-19 numbers are still on the rise. Masks are a must when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn by everyone, even in the summer time when everyone wants to be out enjoying summer activities. This is possible if precautions are taken.
Sheryl Darling-Mooney, RN, of Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health Department states, “We can still enjoy those summer activities, but we must follow the safety guidelines outlined by the CDC. Masks really do work to stop the spread of COVID-19 so 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 during the summer months, so always take these precautions to keep yourself and others safe.”
Below are the recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health on how to stop the spread of COVID-19.
· Practice social distancing.
- Stay away from gatherings of people.
- Maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and others.
· 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 your hands frequently.
- Stay home if you are 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 Office, Postville City Clerk Office and Monona Chamber of Commerce. These masks are then being handed out to elderly and immune-compromised individuals 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.
