The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading and it’s spreading fast. Primarily developing through close contact, the world needs to be aware of preventatives and ways they can keep themselves and their family healthy and safe. According to the World Health Organization, there are many things people can do in order to protect themselves and others from getting the coronavirus. While this pandemic often feels unreal, it is serious. In order to see growth and less cases of the coronavirus, there are good habits everyone can get into. 

       Mrs. Kerri Ubaldi is a nurse and parent of senior Roma Ubaldi, as well as sophomore Luca Ubaldi. With a great deal of insight on the coronavirus disease and tips on how to prevent it, she wants to help inform students, parents, and families in the Milford community about how we can stay healthy. According to Ubaldi, “The coronavirus is a group of viruses that can cause a range of symptoms including runny nose, cough, sore throat, and/or fever. The common cold is a coronavirus. This new virus which has been called COVID-19 is named this for Coronavirus 2019 because that is the year when the first cases were identified. COVID-19 is thought to have emerged from eating an animal source, however it is now spreading from person to person. It is spread through respiratory droplets produced when one person coughs or sneezes into the air or by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it. The usual symptoms of the COVID-19 virus is fever, cough and shortness of breath.”

       Having such knowledge on the coronavirus disease, Ubaldi also has tips on how to prevent it. She adds, “Wash your hands regularly and any time that you touch a surface or object that many other people have touched (door knobs, light switches, handrails, counters, etc). It is important to frequently wipe down these areas in your home with a household cleaner. The technique for washing your hands is very important – you should sing 2 rounds of Happy Birthday while scrubbing all surfaces of the hands, in between fingers, the back of the hands and our thumbs. Purell is also an acceptable method of sanitizing your hands, but nothing takes the place of washing your hands. Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing.  You can do this by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or directly into a tissue, which should then be discarded and again you should wash your hands prior to touching any surfaces. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean. After touching these areas, do not touch any surfaces unless you have washed your hands or used Purell.”

       The World Health Organization has a public service announcement on Google providing general public health information and other advice on preventing the spread of the coronavirus. They are encouraging everyone to do “the five”.

1. “Stay home as much as you can.” Staying home protects not only yourself, but those around you from spreading the coronavirus disease. There are alternatives to this, like going for a walk or run, while being mindful of social distancing and abiding by the six feet rule. Avoid leaving the house as much as possible.
2. “Keep a safe distance.” When interacting with others, make sure to maintain a safe distance of six feet. If you are too close to someone, you may inhale the droplets of a cough or sneeze that contains the virus. In regards to the World Health Organization’s take on keeping a safe distance, Ubaldi also mentions, “Social distancing is a new term for us and that has been very difficult for people to handle, especially for this long period of time. It is a very powerful way to stop the spread of this virus. You should keep a 6 foot distance between yourself and others during this time. There should be no gatherings of people at each other’s houses or in public places. It is also important for the young people to stay away from visiting elderly grandparents or relatives. It is necessary to keep them safe during this time.”
3. “Wash your hands often.” According to the World Health Organization, “Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.” Also, make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds. Some recommend singing “happy birthday” twice while washing to ensure 20 seconds has passed. 
4. “Cover your cough.” Again, droplets spread the coronavirus. When coughing or sneezing, make sure to cover the mouth or nose with a bent elbow or tissue. 
5. “Sick? Call ahead.” When not feeling well, continue to stay home. However, the World Health Organization recommends to call a doctor or seek medical help in advance. 

       During this uncertain time, we must abide by these rules and preventatives. If we do, it will only increase our chances of seeing our friends and family as soon as possible. We will get through this, but only if we follow these guidelines. One more thing to take away from this is the value of social connections. This may be a difficult time, but it is also a time for us to get creative. As Ubaldi says, “Having connections to people is an important part of our mental health. Find ways that you can connect in a positive way with your friends and relatives, while keeping you and your family safe.”