SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Governor Gavin Newsom, echoing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is calling for the state’s bars, wineries and nightclubs to close and for restaurants to observe social distancing to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The governor is also recommending home isolation for people over the age of 65 and for those with chronic health conditions. According to the CDC, social distancing can be key to helping slow the spread of respiratory infections such as COVID-19.
Sutter infectious disease expert Jeffrey Silvers, M.D., agrees with the CDC, explaining, “Slowing the spread of COVID-19 with protective measures such as social distancing is critical to avoid a situation where hospitals are overwhelmed by large numbers of patients who need advanced care all at the same time.”
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, according to Dr. Silvers, is to avoid being exposed to COVID-19.
Seven Simple Things You Can Do:
• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to kill corona virus on your hands.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
• Avoid shaking hands and touching your face.
• Stay home.
• Work from home if possible.
• Avoid large crowds. When you must go out, keep your distance from others and maintain a distance of about six feet.
• Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces that may harbor viruses such as doorknobs, faucets and cell phones.
More Resources:
Watch these videos to learn about COVID-19 and how viruses spread from Sutter’s Chief Quality and Safety Officer, Bill Isenberg, M.D. Learn how to properly wash your hands, what to do when you’re feeling ill and when to contact a caregiver.
Sutter Health’s Information about COVID-19 page is another handy resource.
Sutter Health is committed to the health and safety of our communities. If you’re concerned you may have COVID-19, please call your doctor or healthcare provider before visiting a care facility.
