A lot of information is circulating about the coronavirus (COVID-19). A lot of disinformation is also floating around. Find out the truth here and use this information to keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Myth: A cure for coronavirus is available now.
Fact: There is no vaccine currently available for the coronavirus. Scientists are working on one, but creating a safe and effective vaccine is a process that can take months or years.
Myth: Essential oils and gargling with salt water can protect me from coronavirus.
Fact: No way! Some of the recommendations floating around the Internet are actually dangerous. To protect yourself and others follow these tips from the CDC:
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and hot water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an antibacterial hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%.
- Avoid close contact for people who are sick.
- Avoid spreading germs by covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and tossing it immediately or by coughing into your elbow.
- Stay home if you are sick. Talk to your employer about time off or working from home if possible until you are fully recovered.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently, like door knobs, countertops, break rooms and railings. Check out our online catalog to stock up on disinfectants today.
Myth: Ordering or purchasing products from China will make me sick.
Fact: Based on what we now know about similar viruses, the coronavirus cannot stay alive very long on surfaces. This means it is highly unlikely that you could get it from a package that spent days or weeks in transit. The virus is transmitted by droplets from sneezes or coughs.
Myth: I should stock up on face masks to protect me.
Fact: Nope. Unless you have a respiratory illness, leave face masks available to people working in the healthcare industry and those whose health is compromised. Wearing lightweight surgical masks won’t offer protection against the virus because they don’t fight tightly and allow infected droplets to get into the mouth, eyes and nose. You can also be infected if you are exposed and touch your face under a mask. Please do not hoard masks and remember that stocking up makes them less available for people who actually need them.
