Stockton residents have long been known for “Coming Together” in times of crisis. Long- time residents remember when all the kids from UOP, (then COP) and Stockton College, (now San Joaquin Delta College) banded together with community locals to shore up our levees during the floods in the late 50’s.
Well, it’s time for a reversal. Instead of “Standing Together” it’s time to “Stay Apart” in order to protect our community from the devastating effects of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus 2019. Stocktonians have always responded to doing the “right thing” and at this time the “right thing” is following the guidelines as established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health as well as San Joaquin County Public Health Services.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Wash your hands often with soap water for at least 20 seconds (Sing "Happy Birthday while washing)
• If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular cleaning spray or wipe
DOING THE RIGHT THING:
Doing the right thing is not necessarily the most comfortable and we in Stockton have stood up to the challenge as literally hundreds of events, athletic, artistic, fund raisers, meetings, reunions, lectures, and trips have been cancelled or rescheduled. Even social gatherings have been put on hold in people’s homes an example set forth by our “Stocktonian of the Year”, Beverly McCarthy who cancelled her annual St. Patrick’s Day Party commemorating her anniversary to her late husband, John McCarthy. The party hosting 60 plus friends is on hold until all of Stockton is safe.
CHANGES AND CHALLENGES:
Now referred to as a pandemic the situation is extremely serious and many residents are feeling stressed as they scour local stores and pharmacies for commercial hand sanitizer to find none available. But the fact is hand-washing with warm water and soap is the BEST recommended method of keeping germ free. One way to make the hand washing procedure more tolerable is to repeat either the Happy Birthday jingle or the children’s ABC song each of which takes 20 seconds to recite.
Obviously avoiding contact with persons who are ill makes sense but for residents who currently have a loved one in a hospital or nursing homes adds to one’s stress. But keep in mind the safety of your family member as well as yourself is of the utmost importance.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth is really difficult for many , whether a nervous nail bitter or one dealing with seasonal allergies resulting in watery eyes or a runny nose. Best advice is to keep those tissues handy and use them then promptly discard followed by washing hands as soon as possible.
STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK
Staying home from work certainly increases stress especially if it means a reduction in income. But it is absolutely necessary in order to avoid spreading your germs or picking up different germs from someone else. Hopefully the government will provide funds for reimbursement to those lacking sick leave insurance.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces seems like an obvious precaution but which surfaces are most apt to carry the virus is up for grabs.
SURFACES TO REMEMBER
• Phone
• I-Pad
• Pump handle/nozzle at self- service gas station
• Computer Key board
• Grocery store cart handle
• All door handles
• Restroom faucets and flush handle
• Railings on public access buildings
• All eating areas
STRESS RELIEVERS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF AT HOME FOR QUARANTINE PERIOD
• Meditate
• Read a book
• Picnic in your own backyard
• Exercise at home
• Text a friend
• Warm bath
• Clean out a closet
• Shed old snapshots of people you don’t know
• Make a list of all the things for which you are grateful especially friends and family you love
DON’T WATCH THE NEWS MORE THAN ONE HOUR A DAY!
RESOURCES: STAY INFORMED
This is a rapidly evolving situation. We encourage you to check the following websites and their social media accounts routinely:
Article provided by Bobblie Wallenger.