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Eastern Idaho Public Health on COVID-19

Every day the number of cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus are growing in the state of Idaho, so BYU-Idaho Radio decided to learn more about it and called Eastern Idaho Public Health Department.

As many people are aware, one of the actions we can take to prevent the virus from spreading is properly washing our hands for at least 20 seconds or you can sing “Happy Birthday” two times. Just like any other virus, it can stay on surfaces and on our hands, so it’s up to us what we do about it.

“The message is, you know, to stay home if you are sick; to social distance, which simply means staying away from groups of people, and of course, staying away from anyone who is sick; and then washing our hands. Those are some of the best prevention methods to getting around COVID-19,” said Mike Taylor, exercise specialist at Eastern Idaho Public Health Department.

Wednesday, in Idaho, Governor Brad Little issued a stay-at-home order for 21 days. Idaho now joins 17 other states that have issued stay-at-home orders.

Before Wednesday’s order people were encouraged to limit gatherings to 10 people or less. Taylor said it would be better if you could try to see those who you know well.

“The more familiar you are with those people and where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing the better,” he said. “So, friends and family are probably a little safer, than showing up to the grocery store, per say, and being around lots of other people that you don’t know that anybody could be coughing and sneezing.”

If you experience symptoms like coughing, fever, tiredness, and having trouble breathing call your health care provider before going to the clinic or hospital. Taylor explained that doctors want to be aware when sick people come in so that those who are healthy don’t come in at the same time.

To see how many cases there are currently in Idaho you can click here. To read and watch Governor’s Brad Little issue the 21-day stay at home order click here.