News Release                                     March 13, 2020

Calhoun County Government Monitoring Coronavirus / COVID - 19

The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency, along with other county departments, has been closely monitoring COVID-19. This event is rapidly evolving, and we are working with our Federal, State, and local government partners to make every effort to educate staff and prepare should the virus spread to Calhoun County.

Out of an abundance of caution to protect our public safety crews and limit exposure to the spread of any type of virus, we have added some additional questions to our 9-1-1 Dispatch Center protocols. In order to better direct public safety personnel, dispatchers will ask additional screening questions on patient calls related to respiratory problems and illness.

The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency recommends that citizens and staff follow guidelines from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

· DHEC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) homepage: https://www.scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

· CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) homepage: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Additional recommendations from the CDC and DHEC:

· Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

   If soap and water are not available use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

· Avoid contact with sick people.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

· Stay home when you are sick.

· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

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For information on Calhoun County Government the public can:

· Visit our website: www.calhounncounty.sc.gov