Page 36 - Delaware Medical Journal - March/April 2020

PUBLIC HEALTH
managing include mumps, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, pertussis, HIV, and tuberculosis, each creating its own impact and challenges to the public.
Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy solution to this threat; however, every individual can do his or her part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 or any other respiratory illness. Now more than ever it is important to counsel everyone to practice the basics:
■ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
■ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
■ Stay home when you are sick.
■ Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.
■ Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
As health care providers, we need to stay up to date with the most current
information. If you are not already signed up to receive Health Alerts (HANs), we encourage you to do so at Delaware Health Alert Network: www. healthalertde.org.
Additionally, refer to the following sources frequently to keep yourself, your co- workers, your patients, and the public safe:
CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html
DPH: www.de.gov/coronavirus
CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR
■ RICK HONG, MD is the State Medical Director at the Delaware Division of Public Health.
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Del Med J | March/April 2020 | Vol. 92 | No. 2
For updated medical resources on coronavirus disease 2019, visit: