(WXYZ) — The coronavirus death toll in America has risen to 14. 13 of those deaths were in Washington State, while 1 was in California.
Many of the deaths in Washington State were linked to the Life Care Center nursing home, where several residents have contracted the virus.
There are at least 230 cases in 19 states. Now the number may sound high and that’s because it does include the 46 people who were sickened on the Diamond Princess cruise ship and the 3 people who repatriated to the US from China.
Now, you’re likely wondering which state has the highest numbers. Well, that would be Washington State – they have 70 reported cases, followed by California with 49 and New York with 22 cases. The rest of the states with cases all have between 1 and 5 each.
I can’t stress how important it is to self-quarantine. If you’re asked to do this, like those folks in New York, it doesn’t mean that you actually have the virus. But that you may have been exposed to it and now need to monitor yourself for symptoms.
So what does it mean to self-quarantine?
Well, first of all, you’ll need to stay home for 14 days. And that means not going to work, not having visitors over and certainly not traveling or going anywhere outside your home.
You’ll want to avoid direct contact with people, as this is one of the best ways to limit spread in your community.
Now if there are others living with you, and you’re not sure if everyone has contracted the virus, it’s best to stay in separate rooms. Also, try to avoid touching the same household items, and be sure to regularly clean surfaces that are touched often like door knobs, sink taps and light switches. And don’t forget to cover coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands often.
If you need food, you should call friends or family members and have them drop off the items at your doorstep.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has provided brand names of disinfectants that can be used against COVID-19. It’s a five-page list but here are a few household names you’ll likely recognize:
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and Disinfecting Spray. As well as Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaner + Bleach
- Lysol products also made the list, notably their Disinfectant Max Cover Mist and their Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate
- Also on the list is Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes
Now as for hand soaps, you may think antibacterial is better than regular soap when it comes to killing germs. But there’s actually no evidence to support this. So just plain old soap is recommended unless of course, your doctor has told you otherwise.
On the next Dr. Nandi Show, are your genes really your destiny? Not according to modern science! Joining Dr. Nandi, MD is Dirty Genes author Dr. Ben Lynch. He explains how it’s possible to clean up our genes to achieve greater health. Plus, a former homeless teen who became a United Nations Global Ambassador is living proof that our genes don’t have to limit us. You won’t want to miss this discussion with activist and social entrepreneur, Bryant McGill. Tune in this Sunday, March 8th at 1 pm.
