Note: This info is intended for the general public; there are elevated standards and best practices that we use within CHCC to minimize exposure for our staff and those receiving care here.
Scientists and global health experts have learned a lot since February 2020, when the novel coronavirus was first identified in the United States. A lot has changed in a few months; with new knowledge comes the evolution of strategies and best practices.
New coronavirus mitigation strategies come at a time when people are experiencing stress, personal hardships and even pandemic fatigue. For some, diligence is waning; however, some level of the coronavirus will be around to impact our community and the nation in the months ahead.
Our community is progressing through Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan for Washington; however, the pandemic is not over yet.
Guidance from the experts.
Even though some people may be experiencing pandemic fatigue, health leaders – such as those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – continue to encourage us all to focus on three key prevention measures: wearing masks, maintaining distance and practicing hand hygiene.
The CDC has been at the forefront of public health education throughout the pandemic – filtering scientific data, identifying ways to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, raising awareness and sharing info with industries and the public.
They are a go-to source for all types of coronavirus information, including the following guidance related to wearing fabric masks in public places.
Why wear masks in public places?
The main reason is that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic people can spread COVID-19. According to the CDC:
“We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”
That makes sense, right? If you are in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, or if you are spending time in a place where community transmission is significant, wear a mask to help slow the spread of the virus.
What are the current social distancing guidelines?
From the CDC website, limiting nonessential face-to-face contact is still recommended. That means staying at least 6 feet from other people, refraining from gathering in groups and avoiding mass gatherings, for now.
Do we still need to wash our hands so much?
Yes! Paying attention to hand hygiene is a simple way to reduce the spread of any virus. The CDC recommends washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This should especially be done after you have been in a public place or after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze. The alternative is to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
At CHCC, we are laser-focused on protecting the health of each person who lives and works here. We are also concerned about the health and wellness of our community. With those things in mind, we will continue to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations put forth by our state and local health departments, and we respectfully recommend that you do, too.
The healthier our community is, the sooner we’ll be able to resume normal operations – opening the doors to family, friends, volunteers and others. We eagerly await that day!