For Immediate Release
06/22/2020
Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov
Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub
COVID-19 Etiquette Tips
Etiquette in the age of COVID-19 means a lot more than covering your mouth when you cough. “We are all in this together,” as the saying goes; we need to always be aware and courteous of others trying to be safe.
Dr. Alicia Brooks of Novant Health has provided some useful tips that will help us all:
1. Mask Up.
This is less about protecting you and more about protecting others. Masking up is not a sign of weakness. It’s the easiest thing you can to do be a good citizen. The person you pass in that grocery store aisle could be immunocompromised herself or taking care of a sick parent or child. Your mask isn’t just protecting her; it’s protecting everyone she comes in contact with.
2. Keep a safe distance.
Social distancing is still strongly recommended, even though businesses are beginning to open up again. Keep at least 6 feet between you and whoever you’re interacting with if they’re outside your family unit. Handshakes and fist bumps are out. Don’t put someone in an awkward position by reaching out to touch them. Just wave or make a handshaking gesture and smile. They’ll get it.
3. Stay home if you’re sick.
The best way to protect your community is to isolate yourself if you’re sick. People who show up for work even when coughing and sneezing? They are not heroes. They’re spreading germs and putting others at risk.
4. Don’t touch!
If you’re in a waiting area at a nail or hair salon or other business, the magazines should have been removed. If they haven’t been, don’t touch them. In a grocery store, try to make your selection just by eyeballing. Keep your handling of produce, meat, etc. to a minimum.
5. Limit your travel.
“Even though we’re starting to open up, try to just go out just for the essentials,” Brooks said. “And try to piggyback your errands. If you need to go to the pharmacy, do it during your trip to the grocery store.
6. Be Kind.
Being courteous never goes out of style. Especially since we’re all giving each other a wide berth – making room on the sidewalk, for instance – it’s important to be friendly. Wave, nod, make eye contact, say “hello.”
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Contact:
TJ Brown
704-216-8918
tj.brown@rowancountync.gov
Download Media Release COVID-19 - June 22, 2020 (PDF)