Dear Friends,
As Arkansans and Americans, now is the time to band together. Amid this public health crisis, we must do our best to protect ourselves and those around us.
Below are guidelines from the White House COVID-19 task force that will help to slow the spread of this virus and keep you healthy.
1. Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
The Arkansas Department of Health is an excellent and trustworthy resource for information relating to COVID-19. To read the latest visit here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus.
2. If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical
provider.
COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, can be difficult to distinguish from a cold, the regular flu, or even allergies. Here are some of the differences:
3. If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school.
Contact your medical provider.
Fortunately, children seem to have much better outcomes than people who are over the age of 60 if they contract the coronavirus, but they are still able to spread the virus. Here are some ways to prepare for your child staying home during the outbreak:
https://hbr.org/2020/03/how-working-parents-can-prepare-for-coronavirus-closures.
4. If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
5. If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
To watch a video on the CDC's recommendations for older people, click HERE or on the image below.
6. If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lungs or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
7. Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus:
- Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as healthcare services and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-through, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Practice good hygiene:
o Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or
surface.
o Avoid touching your face.
o Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
o Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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