Remember to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 at summer activities

It’s summer time and everyone wants to be out enjoying summer activities; however, the local COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise.

Sheryl Darling-Mooney, RN, of Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health Department, states, “We can still enjoy those summer activities, but we must follow the safety guidelines outlined by the CDC. Masks really do work to stop the spread of COVID-19, so please wear them in public places, especially the grocery and convenience stores.”

Mooney adds, “Always physically distance from one another even when you are wearing a mask and wash your hands frequently. No one wants to be quarantined for two weeks during the summer months, so please always take these precautions to keep yourself and others safe.”

Below are the recommendations on how to stop the spread of COVID-19  from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

• Practice social distancing.
- Stay away from gatherings of people.
- Maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and others.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20-seconds each time.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Stay home when ill – even mildly ill.

Everyone can do his or her part to help respond to COVID-19.

• Everyday prevention methods are very important:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Stay home if you are ill.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Perform routine cleaning.
- Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label.

For more information, call Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care Public Health at 563-568-5660.