STOP THE SPREAD!

Practice the 3 W’s: Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear a face covering.

● Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, avoid touching your face, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. 

● Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.

● Practice social distancing, which means avoiding close contact with people in order to avoid catching the virus yourself and to avoid passing it on to others.

● Limit the size of your gatherings. The risk of COVID-19 spreading at events and gatherings increases as follows:

○ Lowest risk: Virtual-only activities, events, and gatherings.
○ More risk: Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear cloth face coverings, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county).
○ Higher risk: Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area.
○ Highest risk: Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area.

● Wear a face covering. For more information about DIY face coverings, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

● Be cautious when dining out and pick up food through drive-thru, take-out, or delivery options when possible.

● Plan your errand trips to limit the time spent in public, such as getting groceries or picking up medications. When returning home from an errand, wash your hands before doing anything else.

○ Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. People at high risk should stay at home as much as possible.

Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you become symptomatic:

● Stay home when you are sick and if you recently traveled to a place with COVID-19. Self-quarantine means:

○ Avoid or limit visiting public places. Do not visit your place of work. You may leave to get necessary medical care, food, or other supplies if no one else in your household is able to fulfill these needs for you. 
○ Separate yourself from others in your home, especially if you are experiencing symptoms or if others in your home are not in quarantine. Limit visitors

■ Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible. 

■ We encourage you and people in your household to wear a face covering.

○ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
○ Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
○ Cover your coughs/sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If there is no tissue, use your sleeve. Not your hands!
○ Practice social-distancing and wear a face-covering. If you need to go out, maintain at least 6 feet distance away from others. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
○ Take your temperature and keep a log of any symptoms you might have. A fever is 100.4°F or 38°C

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force continues to manage COVID-19 inquiries and residents are encouraged to utilize this resource for additional information. The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force numbers are 287-0046, 287-1089, or 287-0489. These numbers are available Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6pm.

For mental health support and helpful tips during a crisis, call the Mental Health Support Line at 323-6560 or 323-6561 These numbers are available Monday to Friday 7:30am-4:30pm. For the 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline, call SAMSHA at 1-800-985-5990

For more information about DIY face coverings, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html.

For more information about CHCC programs, follow CHCC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @cnmichcc, check out our website at www.chcc.gov.mp or call us at (670) 234-8950.

For more information on the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, visit governor.gov.mp and follow @GovernorCNMI on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
Rumor control

During crises like this, the spread of misinformation is just as dangerous as the virus itself. The CNMI is reminded to only share official and verified notices, press releases, and advisories from the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC. (PR)