When I was a Chemical Corps Officer in the United States Military, my specialty was Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare (NBC), Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
When dealing with chemical agents in a laboratory environment, we followed specific protocols to keep ourselves and others safe. As a degreed biologist, Chemical Corps Officer, and science teacher, I understand the importance of following procedures and taking precautions.
With the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) across the globe, we must take precautions to protect ourselves and others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has alerted us, “the virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.” They’ve also stated, “there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019.” Additionally, “the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed” to the virus.
According to the CDC, “older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease, or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications.” Take note; this situation is dangerous! Know how to take precautions…
Since there is currently no vaccine and testing is still ramping up, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has put out guidance on protection. Their guidance addresses the necessary precautions everyone should take. Here are the CDC’s steps to protect yourself and others:
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid close contact
- Cover your mouth and nose when around others
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect
There’s much more information on implementing these two steps, far too detailed to discuss here. For example, when cleaning your hands with a hand sanitizer, it must be at least 60% alcohol-based.
Using social distancing of 6 feet, not shaking hands, and avoiding crowds are practices that will help you keep you out of proximity with the virus.
Although the CDC’s guidance is to stay home when you are sick, be sure to seek medical care.
If you haven’t done so, click HERE to read the CDC’s guidance on How to Protect Yourself and Others.
Keep in mind there are some routine things we do, and we can’t avoid that may expose us, such as:
- Filling our vehicles with gasoline
- Touching public door handles or light switches
- Using keypads when making purchases
Think critically about your actions and the actions of others to maximize protection against the virus.
When buying supplies such as hand sanitizer and soap, only buy what you need for a couple of weeks. When we overbuy, there will be others who will have difficulty finding the supplies needed for their family and loved ones.
Why is this important? Because others won’t be able to take care of themselves, their families, and their loved ones. And think about this, if they get the virus, they could give it to you, your family members, or your loved ones…
Although the coronavirus has peaked in the US, and states are slowly re-opening, we must not become complacent and continue to take precautions during times of crisis. Remember, the actions you take will influence the actions of others.
“When everyone feels that risks are at their minimum, over-confidence can take over and elementary precautions start to get watered down.”
Ian MacFarland
As a nation, we are facing an uncertain future since COVID-19 has invaded our communities. Others will look to you for leadership and encouragement. In difficult times, I turn to my faith for strength. God offers us wisdom and direction in His words.
If you are looking for reassurance during this difficult time, I suggest the book of Psalms. One of my favorites is Psalm 91. David wrote:
“Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.”
Psalm 91:6 (NLT)
Trust God and take the necessary precautions. He has overcome this disease!
Are you taking precautions with the COVID-19 coronavirus disease?
#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim
This guest post was originally published on kimdmoore.com by Dr. Kim Moore, #YourLeadershipGuide, Crossroads Career Volunteer, DISC Consultant, and certified coach, speaker, and trainer with The John Maxwell Team.
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Comments 4
My family and I need a bigger home. I need direction from God on where to go.
face masks are only good if one knows how to use it. If you touch the mask after you put it on that mask is infected and now you’re breathing in those germs through the mask. Home made masks are worthless. We need to expose more healthy persons like me to the virus and create antibodies (herding) and the virus will die off.
Staying inside and not being active weakens our immune system. Focus on exercising and eating healthy, get plenty of rest. Sitting inside and watching Netflixs is not the answer.
Thanks so much for this meat-and-potatoes approach to common sense responsibility. I couldn’t agree more, and am grateful for the reminder that GOD tells us, “Do not dread…”
We need to always know that.
My boyfriend, Graham, has an autoimmune and diabetes, and while working at Walmart, he has decided to quarantine himself for his health and that of his mother, whom he cares for and lives with; she is about 85 years old. He has no financial protections outside of his savings so after being out of work about 6 – 8 weeks, he’s headed back to work for this major retailer, and of course, wearing a quality mask and following stringent hygiene protocols, but he’s reentering a dangerous environment because he must begin making money again.
Please pray that God keeps him safe. He’s a man of faith but as we all know, while God CAN protect him, my prayer is that he will choose to do so. Thank you so much for praying for a good man with a love language of service… and the man that I love and in him, see my future.