How to Stay Safe During the Current COVID-19 Pandemic

March 27, 2020 Leave a Comment

We are living in strange times now. The Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, has become a worldwide pandemic. As of March 27th, the death toll in association with the virus has reached 25,250, and unfortunately those numbers will continue to rise. The situation will get worse before it gets betters. In the U.S., schools have begun closing for the year, all but the essential businesses are being asked to close down, people are losing paychecks, the economy is taking a hit, and health workers are running low on the supplies they need to do their jobs. Social distancing and self-isolating are the buzz phrases of 2020, but they are important. In fact, what started as a precautionary measure (staying at home) has become a crucial part of fighting this virus and it's spread. There is a great deal of information being spread across social media and other outlets. It's important to remember not everything you hear is true, so when you are looking for information regarding how to stay safe during these times, always turn to those resources that you can trust. Listen to doctors and other health officials that are on the frontlines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are issuing continual updates that can help you keep your families and the rest of the public safe.

Point to Remember: Lots of handwashing. Always wash your hands after touching anything that might be contaminated.

At GenEon Technologies, we care about your safety and we want you to be aware of ways you can protect yourself during these troubling times. We're sharing information and recommendations with you here suggested only by the CDC, WHO, and by doctors. It's important you know where the information you read is coming from. Here are some things, according to the CDC, you can do to minimize your risk and help slow the spread of coronavirus:

• Practice Good Hygiene – For right now, skip the handshaking. If you have to go out, clean your hands as you enter your home. Cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow if you cough or sneeze, then clean your hands immediately.



• Avoid Touching Your Face – You don't know what you might have touched. The CDC states the virus may remain viable on surfaces for hours to days, so avoid touching your face at all times.


• Disinfect and Sanitize – Doors, tables, handrails, desks, and any other items people touch on a regular basis should be sanitized and disinfected regularly. Even simply cleaning those surfaces is a good idea.


• Limit Contact with Others – Stay at home when possible. Don't let your children play with friends. This may be difficult, but the more interaction we continue to have as a society, the more likely we are to continue to spread the virus. At this time, the CDC recommends staying home if you are feeling sick or someone in your family is feeling sick. Remember, you can carry the virus and not show signs but can still pass it to those who are more susceptible.


• Don't Share Food – This simply isn't a good idea. The virus can be passed from one person to the next in this way.


• Conduct Business from Home – Many businesses implemented this early on. It's becoming more important to do this by the day.


• Practice Social Distancing/Stay Home – You might be tempted to hang out at the beach or with friends. The CDC and other health organizations don't want you to mingle. Stay home unless you have to go out for groceries or medical care. Limit the family members that take care of these chores. Your kids may be going stir crazy, but even public parks can be dangerous. Be cautious of the playground equipment they're playing on. While there might not be anyone in the park when you visit, you don't know who touched the equipment right before your kids. Take walks, play in your yard, but avoid contact with others or keep a distance of six feet from anyone you do happen to run across.


• Regarding the use of face masks - the CDC recommends using "simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others." They are asking that the general public not use surgical masks or N-95 respirators because these are essential to frontline workers and are in short supply. Medical workers, law enforcement, and fire officials need them. Cloth face coverings (perfect for the general public) can be made from a variety of household items and should be worn when going out to anyplace where there is a high chance of spreading the virus. The CDC points out that wearing a mask is not a replacement for social distancing. All social distancing guidelines should still be adhered to strictly. You should also wear gloves, but remember not to leave used gloves discarded in public areas and continue to be aware of what you touch. Limit touching your phone and other objects while wearing gloves. Using your phone while you are wearing gloves will transfer germs and bacteria to your phone, which you will then transfer to other areas. Clean and sanitizing anything you touch while you are wearing gloves.

What to Do If You Suspect You Are Sick with Coronavirus

We've seen a rise in the number of cases throughout the world, but higher in places where social distancing is not being practiced. Many health organizations are exhorting people to stay home. Hospitals are asking that you don't visit them unless you absolutely need to. Healthcare facilities are running at full capacity and dealing with cases of coronavirus as best they can, but their resources are currently limited. If you suspect you are sick with Covid-19 and not in a high-risk bracket, the CDC suggests staying at home and keeping in touch with your doctor. Older adults and those with an immune deficiency are at a higher risk, but for those who don't fall into these categories, the CDC suggests staying at home. Most people who aren't in a high-risk bracket and have a mild case of coronavirus can recover at home. For more severe cases it is recommended to visit a doctor.

Some other tips the CDC gives is if you suspect you have coronavirus separate yourself from other members of your family, including pets. While there have been no confirmed reports of pets getting this virus, the CDC wants us to be cautious until there is more information known about the virus. If your symptoms become more severe and you absolutely must go see a doctor, call ahead if you can, avoid public transportation, and remember the six-feet away rule recommended by health professionals.

Make This a Time to Connect with Your Immediate Family

While we are all feeling a bit of apprehension and uncertainty at this time, try to take something positive away from it. Use this time while you're at home to spend more time with the family, start a new project, and do the things you normally don't have time to do. We can all get through this together. At GenEon Technologies, our thoughts are with you as we go through this pandemic. We want you to stay safe. Remember, the best place for updates on the coronavirus is the CDC coronavirus summary page. From there, you can check out much more information regarding coronavirus and how to stay safe.


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