Important Coronavirus Information for Seniors, Family Members and Caregivers
We know that you are concerned about coronavirus. As compassionate caregivers for the seniors who could be most at risk, we are concerned, too.
Here is the latest information that we have to share with you:
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which typically cause mild to moderate illness. The current novel coronavirus, which causes the respiratory tract disease COVID-19, can lead to more severe illness, as we are now aware.
Though this coronavirus has spread to many parts of the world, including the United States, please understand that most U.S. cases involve evacuations and repatriations from areas abroad with high COVID-19 rates. Regional health agencies like Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) assure us that the risk to the general public in this area remains low.
However, both DCHHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following everyday preventive measures to help safeguard yourself, your family and the individuals in your care:
Stay at home if you feel sick;
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing — and help young children and individuals with dementia do the same;
If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol;
Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfectant wipe; and
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve and never your hands.
These basic precautions should be familiar to us all. It’s still the height of flu season and these same precautions apply for influenza, which remains a more immediate concern for our senior friends and family members.
To stay up-to-date on the developing coronavirus situation, please visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control---prevention/coronaviruas.html
Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php
