Statewide Iowa — As Iowans gather with their families this Labor Day to celebrate the accomplishments of American workers, and mark the unofficial end of summer vacation, the Iowa Department of Public Health reminds all Iowans that COVID-19 is still circulating in the state.
The IDPH urges everyone to continue to take precautions to protect their health and that of their families. Before attending a family gathering or cookout, please take a moment to review these guidelines to help you understand how the virus spreads and how to protect yourself and others. This is also a good time to review food safety guidelines to make sure uninvited germs don’t crash your party.
Know how the virus spreads:
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
o Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
o Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
Everyone Should:
• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after using the restroom.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mask, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact:
• Stay at least six feet away from people who are sick, and from people who don’t live in your home.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others:
• Everyone should wear a mask in public settings, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
• The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Masks should not be placed on children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing.
• A mask is not a substitute for social distancing. Continue to stay at least six feet from others.
Clean and disinfect:
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Monitor Your Health Daily:
• Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• If symptoms develop, call your health care provider for instructions.
• If you are experiencing trouble breathing, pain in your chest, unexplained confusion or an inability to stay awake, seek medical attention immediately.
