First Selectmen Beth Heller convened a meeting for town and school staff to hear from the Quinnipiack Valley Health Department interim director regarding Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19) on March 4.
The First Selectman was joined by the superintendents and nursing staff from the Woodbridge and Amity school districts and representatives from the Police, Human Services and Registrars.
QVHD Interim Director Rick Matheney explained that QVHD is in regular contact with the State Department of Public Health and the federal Center for Disease Control.
If there are many cases in our area QVHD may recommend action to reduce exposure to COVID-19, and slow the disease’s spread.
Additionally, First Selectman Heller has convened a follow-up meeting with Town department heads to review their department’s specific needs and plans.
“I want our staff and residents to be as prepared as possible,” said First Selectman Heller. “I will continue to be in touch with the health district and share any updates or additional guidance as we receive it. In the interim I ask that anyone who is sick – staff or resident – to please stay home.”
Below are the CDC recommendations for prevention:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Visit the CDC’s website for updated information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/