Staying Safe during COVID-19

Trustworthy, Reliable Resources

Dear friends,

Here at Branch Environmental one of our goals is to help people live their best life in their best health. To that end, we wanted to share some reliable resources about COVID-19 or the Coronavirus with you. There have been many false rumors, news, etc. about what to do and how to stay safe.

We want to reassure you with information from credible sources how to keep yourself and your family safe during this pandemic. Pandemic does not mean panic! It means that a disease has moved from one specific location to all around the world. We hope this list of resources will help you plan for this unusual event, and help you cope with these uncertain times.

CDC – Centers for Disease Control

The CDC has developed online resources specifically for this virus. 1 They are working diligently to prevent the spread of the virus, which is why schools, sporting events, art and music events have been canceled. When people are not gathered together, they cannot spread the disease. Staying home is essential to prevent the spread of germs. 1

The CDC recommends the following:

1. Know how viruses spread. 2 Viruses spread through person to person contact. Within 6 feet of an infected person, the cough or sneeze droplets can land on a person’s mouth or nose or possibly be inhaled into the lungs leading to infection.
2. Take steps to protect yourself. 2
   • Clean your hands often. 2 Wash hands for at least 20 seconds under running water OR use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. For more information about how to clean your hands properly visit: Handwashing – Clean Hands Save Lives. 8
   • Avoid close contact with people. 2 This is especially important for people who are at high risk – anyone over 60 years old, immunocompromised people, and those with serious chronic medical conditions.
3. Take steps to protect others. 2
   • Stay home if you are sick!
   • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or your elbow. Wash hands after coughing or sneezing.
   • Wear facemask if you are sick. People caring for you should also wear facemasks.
   • DO NOT wear a facemask if you are not sick. Facemasks should be reserved for people who are sick or for healthcare providers. This will prevent a shortage of facemasks.
4. Clean and disinfect. 2
   • For detailed information on how to clean and disinfect surfaces, go to COVID-19: Resources for Households – Clean and Disinfect | CDC. 10
   • For information about the difference between disinfecting, sterilizing, and sanitizing see our post titled: Disinfecting, Sterilizing, and Sanitizing is there a Difference?

Protecting others is the primary reason for asking people to stay home. Older people, people with chronic health conditions, and those with compromised immune systems need us to do our part to help them stay safe by staying at home.

Remember to call, text, or message friends, family, and seniors who live near you. They may not be able to get out for things they need such as prescriptions or food. Offering help in a time of trouble is a kind and worthy gesture. Be sure to take steps to protect both yourself and the person you are helping.

Resources from the CDC

Individual Resources

1. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
2. Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
3. How to Prepare for COVID-19
4. How the virus spreads – Transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
5. Protect Your Home
6. Protect Your Family
7. What To Do if You Are Sick
8. Handwashing – Clean Hands Save Lives
9. El lavado de las manos – Handwashing Resources in Spanish
10. COVID-19: Resources for Households – Clean and Disinfect | CDC.
11. Managing Anxiety and Stress – Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
12. Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019

Community Resources

Travel

• What to do if you Travel and Travel Restrictions

Business

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for Businesses

School

• COVID-19: Guidance for School Settings
• Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Checklist for Teachers and Parents

Cleaning

• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations – Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019

Community and Faith Based Organizations

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Resources for Community- and Faith-Based Leaders

We hope our list of credible, accurate resources will help you navigate this difficult time. We pray for everyone’s safety and the health of our country. Thank you for being our customers and friends!

Branch Environmental – Because nobody should live or work in a building that makes them sick.

Disclaimers:

Blog information is NOT intended to provide or replace medical advice. NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

*We are an Amazon affiliate company and we do occasionally receive compensation for products that you purchase through links on our website.

Suggestions for products to use are just that, suggestions. You know yourself and your home best. Please do your own research on any product you use in your home or on your skin, and learn all the facts for yourself. Thank you.