Since the global breakout of Covid-19, there have been much conflicting advice on how to keep from getting infected by this extremely aggressive and contagious virus. As scientists learn more about the nature of it, and how it spreads, they are better equipped with advising the public.
At Sales-Link, Inc., we have decided to compile the latest information and share it with our colleagues. We will do our best to update scientific evidence and resulting cautionary measures as they become available. Please stay safe and follow safety guidelines to keep your loved ones safe as well.
July 20, 2020 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Guidance Documents
The CDC has recently updated many of their COVOD-19 Guidance Documents. Click on the link to read details.
July 14, 2020 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (update)
CDC calls on Americans to wear masks to prevent COVID-19 spread
Excerpt: JAMA editorial reviews latest science, while case study shows masks prevented COVID spread. Americans are increasingly adopting the use of cloth face masks to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the latest science may convince even more to do so.
In an editorial published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), CDC reviewed the latest science and affirms that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when used universally within communities. There is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
June 12, 2020 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (update)
Deciding to Go Out -Venturing Out? Be Prepared and Stay Safe
As communities and businesses are opening, you may be looking for ways to resume some daily activities as safely as possible. While there is no way to ensure zero risk of infection, it is important to understand potential risks and how to adopt different types of prevention measures to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
In general, the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. So, think about:
How many people will you interact with?
Can you keep 6 feet of space between you and others?
Will you be outdoors or indoors?
What’s the length of time that you will be interacting with people?
(Click on link for more information.)
June 9, 2020 - The New York Times - by Tara Parker-Pope
5 Rules to Live By During a Pandemic
Excerpt: because life on permanent lockdown isn’t sustainable, public health experts are beginning to embrace a “harm reduction” approach, giving people alternatives to strict quarantine. These options — like forming a “bubble” with another household or moving social activities outdoors — don’t eliminate risk, but they minimize it as people try to return to daily life.
While we’ve learned to live with masks and social distancing, as well as new rituals of hand-washing after handling packages and touching surfaces, we need some basic rules to minimize risk and still have a life going forward. We’ve consulted with several public health experts and scientists to give you the tools you need to make your own decisions, whether it’s dining at a restaurant, going to church, or simply getting a haircut.
1. Check the health of your state and community - pay attention to two important indicators of Covid-19 in your area: the percentage of tests that are positive, and the trend in overall case rates.
2. Limit the number of your close contacts - If you want to widen your circle to extended family or friends, keep the number of close contacts as low and as consistent as possible. One way to do this is to form a “corona bubble,” which happens when two households form an exclusive social circle, agreeing on safety guidelines and to see only each other.
3. Manage your exposure budget - Risk is cumulative. Going forward, you’ll need to make trade-offs, choosing activities that are most important to you (like seeing an aging parent) and skipping things that might matter less (an office going-away party). Think about managing virus risk just as you might manage a diet: If you want dessert, eat a little less for dinner.
4. Keep higher risk activities as short as possible - When making decisions, keep indoor events brief, and move social events outdoors. Wear a mask and practice social distancing. As you make decisions, consider the volume of air space (open space is safer than a small meeting room), the number of people in the space (fewer is better), and how much time everyone is together (keep it brief).
5. Keep taking pandemic precautions - Keep a mask handy; practice social distancing (staying six feet apart); wash hands frequently, and be mindful about touching public surfaces; adopt stricter quarantine practices if you or someone in your circle is at higher risk.
May 21st Update: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a news release: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Provides Promised Transparency for Antibody Tests Excerpt: -Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a list of antibody tests that are being removed from the “notification list” of tests being offered under the Policy for Coronavirus Disease-2019 Tests During the Public Health Emergency.
May 12th Update: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic on May 8th, addressing safety practices that should be followed by food establishments as they plan to reopen their businesses.
May 4th Update: As many states are starting to reopen certain businesses and outdoor venues, even as Coronavirus cases and deaths are still rising in many areas, it is more important than ever to wear face masks when out in public, practice social distancing and follow the other guidelines listed below! Hospitals and healthcare workers in many areas are still overwhelmed.
Here are some things that all health professionals agree on, and we urge you to follow these guidelines, as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO):
1.) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
2.) Maintain social distancing by staying 6 feet away from anyone you come in contact with.
3.) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4.) Practice respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue.
5.) If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, stay home and call your medical professional.
6.) Stay informed and follow the latest advice given by healthcare professionals.
As of April 2, 2020: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reversed its recommendation on wearing face masks. Stressing that medical masks should be reserved for healthcare professionals on the front line, the CDC now suggests that individuals wear coverings, such as home-sewn facemasks when out in public, while still practicing social distancing. They have very specific instructions on how to wear cloth masks properly on their website.
As some states are relaxing restrictions (as of May 1, 2020), establishments are required to practice safety precautions such as requiring employees to wear face masks, having hand sanitizers readily available, avoiding lines, restricting capacity, and practicing social distancing. These restrictions vary by state, and often by municipality, so please check your local government website for details.
If you are interested in making your own masks, there is a great tutorial on Vimeo and written directions as well as downloadable blueprints provided by Joann, where you may also purchase the supplies for the masks online and pick-up at the store. (The Lehigh Valley Health Network is accepting homemade masks and donations to help hospitals with shortages.)
Ordering online and having groceries delivered via Amazon Prime from Whole Foods or via Instacart from local supermarkets is your best bet, but if you do venture out to purchase groceries, follow these safety guidelines:
1.) Wipe down your cart with sanitizer.
2.) Only pick up items that you are committed to purchasing.
3.) Plan ahead and make a shopping list for a 2-week supply to limit outings.
4.) Don’t shop at stores if you are over 60 years old if you have respiratory symptoms or have been exposed to the virus.
Once you receive your groceries from the delivery service or bring them home yourself, it is imperative that you handle your purchases with caution to prevent any chance of bringing the virus into your home. We found the most informative information on how to handle groceries and restaurant take-out food on a video by Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen: PSA Grocery Shopping Tips in COVID-19.
Another option, especially helpful for those who are not used to cooking at home and may not have a full pantry of ingredients, are meal kits. The obvious advantage, of course, is that the kits are dropped off at your doorstep, but the other huge benefit is that the kits are pre-portioned and include all the spices, herbs and condiments that are needed to prepare the included recipes.
Our best advice for everyone is to stay home and shelter in place to avoid any possibility of coming in contact with contagious coronavirus droplets. We recommend that you work from home and exercise at home or in your own backyard and use delivery services for everything you may need, but if you do feel the need to venture out, here are some great safety tips: Here's How to Help Kill Coronavirus in Your Home and Car After You've Gone Outside.
All of us at Sales-Link wish you and your family good health and all the best during this difficult time. Please stay safe and remember, we are all in this together and this too shall pass.