Prevention

How does the Coronavirus spread?

According to the CDC, 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.

How can I prevent contamination?

Groups, businesses and individuals can all take the same precautions to prevent the Coronavirus. Quick tips:

1. Social Distancing - Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people, do not gather in group and stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
2. Please, stay home when you are sick.
3. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and certainly if your commute includes public transit.
6. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
7. We encourage employers to help spread information about best health practices.
8. Encourage employees to stay home if they are sick.
9. Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
10. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
11. Provide work from home options if available for your business.
12. The CDC has provided new guidance on the use of face coverings. CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. 

Resources

It is important that individuals and organizations are receiving updates regarding the Coronavirus through credible information sources. Our website recommendations:

1. CDC Preparedness and Prevention
2. Williamson County Department of Health
3. Tennessee State Department of Health
4. Visit Franklin Travel Information
5. Follow Williamson County Emergency Management through this website, Facebook and Twitter. 

The Tennessee Department of Health has also created an information hotline that is available from 10 AM to 10 PM central daily: 1-877-857-2945

Williamson County Emergency Management has also launched a COVID-19 Information Line that is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4PM central: 615-595-4880