With today’s announcement of New Mexico’s first cases of the Coronavirus; it is important that everyone understands the best practices in being proactive in protecting themselves and others. As always, the best protection is education. Official health organizations are the best place to get reliable and confirmed information. Each of the following links update their information at least daily.
New Mexico Department of Health http://cv.nmhealth.org/
The Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
New Mexico has been preparing for public health emergencies for longer than this current Coronavirus outbreak has been around. The Coronavirus outbreak fits in with established emergency operations plans from health officials.
In accordance to preestablished emergency planning, health officials have been in contact with health providers obtaining accurate counts on supplies and beds. New Mexico has additional responses specific to the current Coronavirus outbreak such as a public hotline for questions (855) 600-3453.
Although everyone needs to take precautions against the virus, older adults (65 and over) and people with compromised immune systems (heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease) are at a higher risk for infection and complications from the virus. Special precautions should be taken when considering visiting loved ones who may live in assisted living facilities which may have a higher population of at-risk individuals.
- As always basic flu prevention is highly effective against the Coronavirus strain.
- Wash your hands with soap and water
- If no soap and water is available use a hand sanitizer with an alcohol base of 60%-95%
- Avoid touching your face. The virus can easily enter your body through the mouth, nose, and eyes
- Cover your mouth when you cough. Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to avoid coughing directly into your hands
- Disinfect your workstation and commonly used surfaces with store bought cleaning agents. No special cleaners are required.
- Stay home if you are sick. Do not return to work/school until you are free of fever (100.4° or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).
- Social distancing yourself by avoiding large gatherings when possible.
- Facemasks are only recommended for people who believe they are sick or health care providers. There is a shortage of facemasks and we should avoid contributing to that shortage by buying unnecessary masks.
Portales Contact:
M Antoinette Brezovsky
Portales Emergency Manager
Office (575) 359-4811
Cell (575)760-4350
Fax (575) 356-3158
