FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Coronavirus prevention and exposure
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. (March 10, 2020) — The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office is actively monitoring reports about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), as early voting and preparations for the March 17 Presidential Preference Primary and City of Gainesville Regular Election continue.
While no cases have been reported in Alachua County, the office is following directions from Alachua County, the Alachua County Health Department, and other state and federal agencies, including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A recent advisory from the CDC states: “For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low."
The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office remains vigilant as we prepare for the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary and City of Gainesville Regular Election.
Our goal is to make sure that Alachua County's voters and those who work with our office are prepared for any potential outbreak. Be part of this effort by following these guidelines:
PREVENTION:
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. The CDC recommends preventive measures including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Those with flu-like symptoms should remain home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have ended, including fever.
- Wash hands regularly. Everyone should wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may also be used.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover coughs and sneezes, and if a tissue is not available, cough into your elbow, not your hand.
- Understand CDC’s recommendation for using a face mask:
- CDC does not recommend that people wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Face masks should be used by people who are ill, or show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
Election workers have been provided with additional hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes, and the above directions have been shared with them as well.
EXPOSURE:
If you or someone you know
meets the symptoms
and travel or contact indicators for exposure to COVID-19, contact the Alachua County Health Department at 352-225-4181 during regular business hours or at 352-334-7900 after hours, before traveling to any physician's office, emergency department, hospital or urgent care center. This is to ensure proper protective measures are taken to prevent further risk of spread to others.
For more information, contact the Supervisor of Elections at 352-374-5252.
