Steps to take to slow the COVID-19 spread

CITY OF WACO NEWS RELEASE

Over the past two weeks, McLennan County has seen a rapid increase in number of COVID-19 cases. As Texas continues to reopen, it is important to remember that COVID-19 has not been contained.  The virus is still circulating in our community. As more people are going back to regular routines, the opportunity for exposure to COVID-19 increases.  

There are five clusters involving households.  If there is a COVID-19 positive person in your home, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of exposure to the rest of the people in the home.

• The sick person should not leave the house.  Have a someone else run errands for the sick person.
• As much as possible, have the sick person stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in the home.  This includes all actives including eating meals or watching TV together.
• Assign one person to take care of the sick person.  This person should maintain a 6 ft distance when possible, wear a cloth face covering and wash their hands after each interaction with the sick person.  
• If possible, the sick person should use a separate bathroom.  It that is not possible, keep the sick person’s personal items, like a toothbrush and towels separate and disinfect high touch areas after every use.
• If the sick person needs to be around other people or animals, they should wear a cloth face covering.

COVID-19 is a virus that is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.  It is also possible that the virus can spread by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on it and then touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to continue to follow the tried and true methods of social distancing. These simple steps can significantly influence the rate of increase in McLennan County.

The Executive Order issued by Waco Mayor Kyle Deaver on June 19, 2020 is an important measure to slow the spread of COVID-19 by requiring all employees and visitors of a business to wear face coverings. This simple step along with the other social distancing guidelines are the best protection we have against COVID-19.  By following them, you protect yourself and your community.

Social Distancing guidelines:

• Keep 6 feet apart from others.  Respiratory droplets generally can travel 6 feet in the air. The closer you are to a person the easier it is for the droplets to reach you.

• Wear a face covering to lessen the spread of respiratory droplets when you speak.  The face covering creates a barrier that stops the droplets before they spread to another person.  Your face covering protects the people around you.
• Washing your hands.  If you have the droplets on you hand and you touch your face, you are putting the virus into your body.  Washing your hands frequently removes the virus from your body.  
• Clean and disinfect surfaces. Keep surfaces like door handles and counters clean to stop contamination by the virus.