EM Officials Urge Public to Use Reputable Sources
EM Officials Urge Public
to Use Reputable Sources
State and local officials report that although there have been no reported cases of Covid-19, caused by a coronavirus, in South Dakota, health officials have been preparing for the possibility of cases here.
“One of the best things individuals can do is take heed of the information put out by legitimate health organizations and listen only to reputable sources,” commented Kevin Schuelke, Grant County emergency management director. “We recommend the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH), the South Dakota Health Alert Network (SDHAN) and the World Health Organization.”
The organizations mentioned above have factual information and recommendations for the general public, employers and schools. Schuelke added, “Locally, our hospitals, county community health offices and area point of dispensing (POD) have plans in place if needed.”
In a statement released by the SDDOH last week, officials stressed the importance of basic handwashing to stem the spread.
“For the general public, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist. “However, we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the same family emergency plans and kits that we use to prepare for the flu, snowstorms, and floods are important now. South Dakotans can help stop the spread of germs by washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces regularly, and staying home if you are sick.”
To disseminate the most current information, the SDDOH launched a COVID-19 website to update South Dakotans on the current situation. It is at https://doh.sd.gov/news/Coronavirus.aspx. The CDC website is https://www.cdc.gov/
“As this situation develops, we will continue to keep South Dakotans updated through our website and social media channels,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. “It’s important to remember that the most accurate and timely information regarding this outbreak is available through the Department of Health, as well as the CDC’s website.”
The South Dakota Department of Health issued the following
precautions to avoid illness, including coronavirus.
• Follow Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) travel health notices if you are traveling internationally
• Contact your medical provider if you become ill after international travel
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a tissue or into your sleeve)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Wash hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand gel)
• Stay home if you are sick.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
