In the interest of community concern over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we want to assure you that we are monitoring our local situation and are collaborating with our Public Safety partners, CDC, WHO and the Florida Department of Health.  We are also adhering to the guidelines put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  As you are aware, exposure to COVID-19 comes from direct contact with someone who has COVID-19.   It is a virus that presents very much like the flu, with the most common symptoms being cough and fever.  The virus is transmitted by the cough or sneeze of an infected person.  The risk of contracting the flu is much greater than the risk of contracting COVID-19.  This flu season in the US there have already been 32 million cases of the flu. Basic precautions such as covering your cough and sneeze, hand washing, and the use of hand sanitizer are appropriate measures to protect yourself.  

Here are some recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use at home to protect your  families:

• It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. 
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Normal cleaners and disinfectants are appropriate.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. For more guidance see the CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.

Please be sure as you are looking for further information, that you are using only trusted sources, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The World Health Organization and the Florida Department of Health.  Here are some helpful links to those organization