At State of the Heart Care we are continuing to focus on procedures that ensure utmost protection for our patients, families, volunteers and partners. This six week campaign, put on by the CDC (CDC.gov/coronavirus), focuses on various safety topics to keep you and your loved ones healthy during this time.
Weekly Tips to Staying Safe & Healthy
WEEK 1 - 6 Steps for Safe & Effective Disinfectant Use

Find the EPA registration number on the product. Then, check to see if it is on EPA’s list of approved disinfectants at: epa.gov/listn.
Step 2: Read the directions
Follow the product’s directions. Check “use sites” and “surface types” to see where you can use the product. Read the “precautionary statements.”
Step 3: Pre-clean the surface
Make sure to wash the surface with soap and water if the directions mention pre-cleaning or if the surface is visibly dirty.
Step 4: Follow the contact time
You can find the contact time in the directions. The surface should remain wet the whole time to ensure the product is effective.
Step 5: Wear gloves and wash your hands
For disposable gloves, discard them after each cleaning. For reusable gloves, dedicate a pair to disinfecting COVID-19. Wash your hands after removing the gloves.
Step 6: Lock it up
Keep lids tightly closed and store out of reach of children.
WEEK 2 - Important Information About Your Cloth Face Coverings

- Stay at home as much as possible
- Practice social distancing (remaining at least 6 feet away from others)
- Clean your hands often
In addition, CDC also recommends that everyone wear cloth face coverings when leaving their homes, regardless of whether they have fever or symptoms of COVID-19. This is because of evidence that people with COVID-19 can spread the disease, even when they don’t have any symptoms. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
How cloth face coverings work
Cloth face coverings may prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community. Since people may spread the virus before symptoms start, or even if people never have symptoms, wearing a cloth face covering may protect others around you. Face coverings worn by others may protect you from getting the virus from people carrying the virus.
General considerations for the use of cloth face coverings
When using a cloth face covering, make sure:
- The mouth and nose are fully covered
- The covering fits snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps
- You do not have any difficulty breathing while wearing the cloth face covering
- The cloth face covering can be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping
Wash your cloth face covering after each use in the washing machine or by hand using a bleach solution Allow it to completely dry.
For more information, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-make-cloth-face-covering.html
WEEK 4 - Social Distancing Means Putting Space Between Yourself & Others

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.
To practice social or physical distancing stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.
Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
WEEK 5 - Stay Safe While Getting Gas & Running Errands

Protect yourself from COVID-19 while getting gas:
- If available, use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons of gas pump before you touch them
- After you get gas and pay, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water when you get to your destination
WEEK 6 - Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event

After a disaster, it is important to take care of your emotional health. Pay attention to how you and your family members are feeling and acting.
Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to urgent needs to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Follow these tips to help you and your family recover or find support.
Steps to Care for Yourself
- Take Care of Your Body: Try to eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and other drugs.
- Connect: Share your feelings with a friend or family member. Maintain relationships and rely on your support system.
- Take Breaks: Make time to unwind. Try to return to activities that you enjoy.
- Stay Informed: Watch for news updates from reliable officials.
- Avoid: Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of the event.
- Ask for Help: Talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor or contact the SAMHSA helpline helpline at 1-800- 985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
How to Help Your Children
- Talk with them.
- Share age-appropriate information.
- Reassure them.
- Address rumors.
- Answer questions.
- Set a good example by taking care of yourself.
- Limit exposure to media and social media coverage of the
Common Signs of Distress
- Feelings of shock, numbness, or disbelief
- Change in energy or activity levels
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Sleeping problems or nightmares
- Feeling anxious, fearful, or angry
- Headaches, body pain, or skin rashes
- Chronic health problems get worse
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Seek help from your healthcare provider if these stress reactions interfere with your daily activities for several days in a row.