Dear Friends,

I am committed to providing central Arkansans updates about COVID-19.

Recently, Arkansas has reported six presumptive positive cases of COVID-19.

Arkansans need to consider what to do if they have been exposed or think they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) screening tool:

UAMS HealthNow is now offering a FREE screening tool.

It’s available 24 hours a day and can be accessed from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.

Go to https://uamshealth.com/healthnow/ and click on “Begin Screening.”

The tool will guide you regarding next steps – if any – such as contacting your primary care physician for further evaluation and possible testing for the virus.

Arkansas Department of Health testing:

While the risk for the general public remains low, the Arkansas Department of Health laboratory is providing testing for COVID-19 for patients who have been identified as a likely case based on their clinical symptoms and history.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommendations:

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Stay home if you’re sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Throw used tissues in the trash.

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.

If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Sincerely,

Representative French Hill