On March 16th, 2020, DCAA and George Eidel held a meeting concerning the response of Coronavirus – 19 (COVID-19)at the Doddridge County Park for all community responders in Doddridge County.
The meeting was attended by around 40 people to include those from the : Health Department, Schools, County Police, 911 Central Dispatch, DCEMS, DCAA, West Union VFD, Smithburg VFD, McClellan VFD, Humane Society, Medical Director from UHC, Health Department Medical Director and staff, Starting Points, Board of Education Members, County Commission members, Red Cross, DC Parks, West Union Mayor and Police, State Road, and Senior Citizens.
Discussion surrounded the County’s possible response to COVID-19 and the need for people not to panic or allow media reports to cause them to panic.
It was explained that if people would follow the recommendations made by the CDC that it would slow the virus down to where the numbers of those who become ill would not overwhelm the public health care system, like has happened in other countries.
It was said the most important points that the citizens needed to remember was included in a hand – out from the CDC that said:
Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors.
Fact 1 – Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race and ethnicity.
Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can cause people to avoid or reject others even though they are not at risk for spreading the virus.
Fact 2 – For most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low.
Older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Fact 3 – Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
For up-to-date information, visit CDC’s coronavirus disease 2019 web page.
Fact 4 – There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.
*Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
*Stay home when you are sick.
*Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Fact 5 – You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:
*Fever
*Cough
*Shortness of breath
Seek medical advice if you:
*Develop symptoms
AND
*Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID-19