In the service of providing wider dissemination of important information about public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the effort of helping to prevent further spread of the virus, Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department are sharing information directly from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about what you can do to keep yourselves and your families safe and healthy. Please share this information with as many people as you can and visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html for even more comprehensive information.
First and foremost, it is critically important that we understand that older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
How to Protect Yourself
Know How it Spreads
o Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
o Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Take steps to protect yourself:
Clean your hands often
Avoid close contact
Take steps to protect others:
Stay home if you’re sick
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wear a facemask if you are sick
Clean and disinfect
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
To make a bleach solution, mix:
o 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
o 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
For more information, including a comprehensive guide about what to do if you are sick (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html), visit www.CDC.gov.