With the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19 garnering national attention, the issue of how to stay healthy is on everyone’s mind. In the Bryan College Station area, the Brazos County Health District is advising locals about how to best adapt their daily lives in light of the coronavirus. Located off of N. Texas Avenue in Bryan, Brazos County Health District is an organization dedicated to preventing disease, protecting life, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. With coronavirus concerns dominating headlines, the Brazos County Health District is providing advice on how to best prevent the spread of the virus.
Keep Away From Events of More Than 50 People Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals.
Therefore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing, says the CDC guidelines. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual.
This recommendation does not apply to the day-to-day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus. This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials.
Don't Stockpile Supplies and Resources The Brazos County Health District encourages citizens to watch out for their fellow neighbors by not stockpiling massive quantities of everyday essentials. Hoarding items like toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and bottled water negatively affects those who need them the most.
COVID-19 can be deadly to senior citizens. Many seniors have limited mobility and transportation and need many of these items to stay safe from COVID-19. Stockpiling these items keeps the items away from seniors and could have serious if not deadly effects on their personal health.
Be sure to share what you have with your neighbors and be polite to grocery store staff who limit your purchases. Together we can keep Brazos County safe from COVID-19 through generosity, not fear and hoarding. Practice Safe Preventative Measures The immediate health risk to the general public is low. Everyone is encouraged to practice general preventive actions, including washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
People are advised to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid sharing food and drinks and close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Those that have traveled to Japan, China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea and have flu-like symptoms are encouraged to call the health district at (979) 361-4440. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat. If medical care is needed, please call your healthcare provider first before arriving. Nonessential travel to China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea should be avoided.
