Coronavirus prevention, planning; Things you need to know

WAYNE — As most area residents may already know, there is a new coronavirus that is causing an illness called COVID-19.

Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department has been actively monitoring this new coronavirus situation and is staying in close contact with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, the medical community, schools and many other partners in the area who are all working together to protect the people of Northeast Nebraska. This is a quickly changing situation with many unanswered questions, but more is understood every day.

There is currently no vaccine or medication known to prevent or treat COVID-19,

Public health is asking people who are in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne counties in Nebraska and who have recently (in the past 14 days) traveled from mainland China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, or Thailand to contact NNPHD so we can work closely with them to evaluate their risk of exposure to the virus and provide important recommendations. NNPHD can be reached by calling 402-375-2200.

The Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department has produced the following tips to help to help people to stay healthy:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

3. Stay home and away from others when you are sick.

4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.