March 10, 2020
Hingham Health Department Health Advisory
COVID-19 update as of 3/10/20
Recent data released from the CDC on 3/9/20 shows that older people or people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. Practice social distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus if COVID-19 is spreading in your community,
Stay home as much as possible. Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or delivery service.
Take everyday preventive actions:
- Clean your hands often by using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc.
- Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
- Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones).
Watch for symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
Have supplies on hand:
- Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications.
- If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
- Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies to treat fever and other symptoms.
- Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
This is a rapidly changing public health situation. Please call the Hingham Health Department @ 781.741.1466 with any questions or concerns.