Public Health advises on Spring Break travel

     Jones County Public Health continues to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states and local partners to monitor and respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and has since been detected in other parts of the world, including the U.S.

     As Spring Break nears, many Iowans are making travel preparations. IDPH and Jones County Public Health remind vacationers to make protecting their health part of their plans. Whether traveling to a sunny beach, a ski resort, or enjoying a staycation, take time to learn about and prepare for health concerns.

     Across the country, the greatest health risk to Jones County residents is from influenza; however, it is appropriate to take precautions against the COVID-19 virus.

     “The prevention for COVID-19 is similar to how you protect yourself from a variety of viruses like influenza,” said Jones County Public Health Director Jenna Lovaas. “Cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands frequently, and stay home from work or vacation when ill.”

     We continue to learn more about COVID-19 as the response progresses. Most often, person-to-person spread is thought to happen among people in close contact (about 6 feet) with each other. This spread is believed to occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets land on another person’s nose or mouth. Therefore, when at home or traveling, it is important to avoid being near people who are visibly ill. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.

     IDPH posts statewide numbers of persons being monitored, persons being tested, and test results on the IDPH website (https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Visit this website often for up-to-date information and follow the department on Facebook at “Iowa Department of Public Health.”