As we deal with the global pandemic of novel coronavirus 2019 at the local level, several frequently-used phrases have quickly entered our common vernacular.
Chief among those phrases is “social distancing,” which the Iowa Department of Public Health has emphasized is the easiest way for individuals to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Ann Cochran, the Health Navigator and Public Information Officer with the Dallas County Health Department, describes what’s involved with social distancing. “(It’s) a very, very strong message to folks here in the next several weeks to seriously restrict movement outside their home; for anyone, whether you’re ill or not. Please really think through, ‘Do I actually need to run to the store today, or can I wait and do another trip in several days where I get more things?’ With children, just making sure that children understand that it’s okay to play outside, but don’t be really close to other children.”
Other social distancing recommendations include: avoid gatherings of more than 10 people; keep six feet between yourself and others when out in public; and stay at home if even mildly ill. Additionally, Cochran reminds people to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their upper arm, and frequently clean things you often touch like computer keyboards or phones. For more information on the COVID-19 pandemic and for daily updates from the Dallas County Health Department, click the link below.