As COVID-19 , commonly known as coronavirus, becomes more prevalent in the U.S., we’ve been receiving questions from our partners about our role in prevention.
 
Coronavirus is a respiratory virus – it is  not  considered to be a foodborne illness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – but similar actions to prevent foodborne illness can be taken to mitigate coronavirus.
 
People desire the facts that put them in control. We can count on you to continue to promote hand hygiene and surface cleaning and disinfecting as fundamentals to good health. Thank you!

Here are key messages and resources for you to share with your community:

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean and sanitize surfaces – pay special attention to touch points (like door knobs and drawer pulls).

Do not show up to work when sick or when a family member is sick.

Continue to follow all of the basics of safe food handling at home: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. 
The Fight BAC! brochure covers the important safe food handling steps.

You are the backbone of providing people in your communities with trustworthy information that keeps families safe.
 
We thank you all for your hard work and for helping us disseminate science-based information to consumers.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly.
 
Best regards,
Shelley signature
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Shelley Feist
Executive Director
 
Katie Weston
Community Engagement Manager
 
If you are looking for resources that go more in-depth on the science behind hand hygiene and home surface cleaning, you might want to share these recorded webinars from our 2019 line up:  
  • First We Wash Our Hands recorded webinar featuring Dr. Mindy Brashears of USDA and Dr. David Berendes of the CDC.