Coronavirus (COVID-19) preventative tips & information for apartment residents

Colorado has its first two presumptive positive cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) — a new strain of the coronavirus that’s spread across the globe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the immediate health risk from the novel COVID-19 — a respiratory disease — is considered low. While there is no vaccine for prevention, many questions and false information surround the new virus first detected in China. Here are some preventative tips and measures from the CDC:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating and after blowing your nose/coughing/sneezing/using the bathroom. If soap and water are unavailable, disinfect using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

• Don’t touch your face — be especially cognizant to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe

• COVID-19 has three main symptoms — fever, cough, shortness of breath; seek medical treatment immediately to help relieve symptoms

• Stay home if you’re sick. Cover cough and sneezes with a tissue and throw it away immediately. Cough or sneeze into your shirt or sleeve — not your hands

• What about facemasks? Not for prevention, but should be used with symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent spreading the disease.

• Get a flu shot, if you haven’t already

BACKGROUND, SOURCE & SPREAD OF VIRUS: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: Coronavirus