The COVID-19 Virus

Click to download the COVID-19 Virus Important Information For Bellwood Residents

The COVID-19 Virus Important Information For Bellwood Residents

The COVID-19 Virus Important Information For Bellwood Residents

The COVID-19 Virus
Important Information For Bellwood Residents

Bellwood Residents and Business Owners,

As mayor and a 50-year resident of our great village, I want to emphasize that we will continue to
monitor all new developments and share important information about the COVID-19 virus pandemic as
it becomes available. The health and well-being of our residents and Bellwood employees is our No. 1
priority.

To help our residents remain informed and protected, here is some useful and insightful information
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) about how to protect yourself against the
virus. Please read it completely and share it with family, friends, neighbors and others.

Stay Safe,
Mayor Andre F. Harvey

How to Protect Yourself

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent
illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the
lungs.

Take Steps to Protect Yourself

Clean your hands often
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not
    readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
  • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room
    or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask
    (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your
    coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your
    room.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is
    sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should
    be saved for caregivers
Clean and disinfect
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches,
    countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:

Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the
surface.

Options include:
  • Diluting your household bleach.

To make a bleach solution, mix:
o 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
o 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the
    product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other
    cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
  • Alcohol solutions.

Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.

Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against

COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all
cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).