By Raquel Williams
Carter County Public Health Nurse 

COVID-19 updates

 

April 24, 2020

As of Wednesday morning, April 22, Montana had reported 437 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 12 deaths from the disease. State officials also report that 59 of the cases have resulted in hospitalizations, with 14 patients currently hospitalized, and 273 patients considered recovered.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were no cases of COVD-19 in Carter County. Statewide, 437 people had tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

To prevent the spread and to keep people healthy, know how to protect yourself and others from being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Since there is not a vaccine available to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. This virus is thought to spread mainly person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with each other. The spread of the virus happens when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, and the infected respiratory droplets land in the mouth or nose of people who are nearby and inhaled into the lungs. The virus can even spread before infected people feel sick.

It is essential to perform some basic functions in your daily life to protect yourself and others. Everyone should wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Another practice to help you avoid infection is to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Also, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.

Staying home as much as possible and avoiding those who are sick will prevent transmission of the virus. When you are out in public, remember to keep distance between yourself and other people. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone wear a cloth face mask covering when out in public. The cloth face covering is meant to protect other people if you are infected. However, it is not a substitute for social distancing, continue to maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and others. Lastly, when not wearing a cloth face covering, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

These are simple yet vital tips you can do daily to protect yourself and others to keep everyone healthy. For more information on COVID-19, go to http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

 

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