The Santa Cruz County Public Health Division advises residents to reduce their risk of getting sick by taking measures typical of other seasonal colds or flu viruses, including:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Cover your cough or sneeze using proper technique;
- Stay home and avoid public or crowded areas if you are sick;
- Get your flu shot to protect against flu or symptoms similar to COVID-19; and
- If you have recently returned from regions with ongoing COVID-19 impacts, monitor your health and immediately contact your physician if you experience flu-like symptoms.
You can also prepare for the possible disruption caused by an outbreak:
- Make sure you have a supply of all essential medications for your entire family;
- Make a childcare plan if you or a caregiver are sick;
- Make arrangements about how your family will manage a school closure; and
- Make a plan for how you can care for a sick family member without getting sick yourself.
The COVID-19 outbreak is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and preparedness and response information may change quickly. The Public Health Division will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Stay up to date on this rapidly evolving situation by visiting https://www.santacruzhealth.org/Coronavirus and the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.
