Ok, well I happen to benefit from a family email chain, that comes from a big wig at the DoD, Disaster Medicine office.
He's got ebola experience and deals with military as well.
Its a fairly long email, but I'd thougth I'd share what he recommends.
WE'RE SCREWED!!
nah jk for reals though...
Specific recommendations -
1. Don't panic and don't believe the BS on Fox News and Facebook.
2. Plan for your kids/grandkids out of school for a month or so, and perhaps to tele-work.
3. Cover ALL of your coughs and sneezes in the crook of your elbow.
4. If you have ANY symptoms - STAY home, stay in your room, use a separate bathroom. DO NOT go to the hospital unless it is serious (that's were the really sick people are).
5. Buy - acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen, hand sanitizer, bleach (liquid and wipes), cleaning gloves, maybe some regular masks.
6. You might want to stock up on some staple foods (pasta, rice, canned, cereal, whatever) so that you don't have to run to the grocery store as often (I really doubt food shortages would occur).
7. Don't go out partying, stay home and watch TV (not zombie or apocalypse movies).
8. No making-out with strangers. In Liberia we didn't shake hands, hug, or even pat people on the back - we bumped elbows as greeting.
You'll be fine. Just be safe.
I'm happy to forward his entire email just pm me your email if interested.
This is what I got from the mucky-mucks at my place of employment:
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Cases of novel coronavirus in the Bay Area remain low and the risk to the general public is also currently low. However, the global picture is changing rapidly and we need to be prepared.
Everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat. The CDC recommends:
- Proper handwashing is the most effective way to prevent illness
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and regularly use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol.
- Stay home when you're sick
Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).
- Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Sneeze or cough into your arm.
It is currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
For up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus, see the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, the
California Department of Public Health website and the
San Francisco Public Health Department website. Please see the CDC fact sheet on the novel coronavirus attached to this email.
As a precautionary step, I have asked staff to prepare an appendix to the continuity of operations plan to include preparation for a pandemic or for any situation that could impact our normal flow of business operations in the future. Please note that Human Resources will be testing the Omnilert emergency communications system soon to remind us all to update the system with our current contact information.
In the event local authorities, health departments or school districts decide to take action as a result of the virus, staff should protect themselves and their families by following their instructions. In those circumstances staff should check in with their individual supervisors regarding work, leave and scheduling as soon as possible. There are currently no plans to alter our work schedules or activities due to the novel coronavirus.
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