All Sacramento residents can play important roles in stopping spread of coronavirus

Our region and state are already taking extraordinary measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Every public school in Sacramento County, and many others in California, are closed for up to three weeks.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has requested all non-essential gatherings of over 250 people be canceled or postponed and that gatherings implement social distancing of six feet per person. He has asked bars to close and requested that people over the age of 65 stay home when possible.

To protect ourselves, our families and our community, we must join together in keeping apart to slow the spread of this infection. But all of these measures won’t decrease the spread of the virus unless we all follow several simple practices.

First, people who have a fever, dry cough or shortness of breath may be infected and need to stay home. If you or someone in your household need medical care, please call your doctor or other health care provider first before showing up at a clinic or hospital.

Testing for coronavirus is currently limited and may not be immediately available. Testing availability is expected to increase in the next few weeks. We need to limit the coronavirus’ spread to free up hospital beds. By staying home when ill, you help to save lives.

Second, we must avoid exposing vulnerable people, including seniors over 65 years old and people with lung or heart conditions or diabetes or who are immunocompromised, from coronavirus. If you are in one of these categories, you must stay home and not travel. you should avoid gatherings, especially those with more than 10 people. You should also avoid travel on cruises or planes.

Coronavirus spreads through droplets from the mouth, nose, and eyes. So, do not shake hands and try to stay six feet away from other people when possible. If you live with a vulnerable person in your household, avoiding exposure yourself is important. If you do become sick, isolate yourself in your household.

Third, all of us can take steps to avoid catching COVID-19 and spreading it to others. How? Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. If your nose itches, wash your hands first.

Many of us touch parts of our face unconsciously, so when you are aware you touched your face, wash your hands to prevent spreading any virus to things you may touch later.

Cough into the crook of your elbow and not into your hands. Minimize physical contact with others and don’t shake hands. But, please stay in touch and check in with family and friends by phone or e-mail. We all need to support each other during this stressful time.

Social distancing is essential to slowing the spread of this coronavirus and protecting our community. However, we also understand these recommendations can be difficult to follow for many families as they struggle to make a living, care for children and/or parents and pay bills.

Local, state and federal leaders are working together to make it possible for everyone to do their part to slow the spread of coronavirus. As we learn more about COVID-19 and its spread in our community, additional steps may also be required.

For the latest information on this infection, please go to the Sacramento County or California Department of Public Health websites. If everyone does their part to slow the spread of coronavirus, we can protect ourselves.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 5:00 AM.