Coronavirus Awareness Discussion Set For Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Quinnipiac University and the town of Hamden are co-sponsoring a discussion on the new coronavirus that will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 5 at the Thornton Wilder Auditorium, 2901 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 80 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the U.S., including nine fatal, as of Wednesday afternoon. There have been no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Connecticut.

The CDC and local health officials are reminding residents that the “best way to stay healthy is to practice basic healthy behaviors. These behaviors help prevent the spread of any illness, including flu or Coronavirus.”

Thursday’s event at Thornton, which is free and open to the public, will explore the following topics:

• Signs/symptoms/treatment
• Difference between seasonal flu and the coronavirus
• What is the difference between a bacteria and a virus
• The status of a vaccine
• How to best wash your hands
• How to best use hand soap and hand sanitizer
• How to best clean high contact surfaces
• What Quinnipiac is doing
• Which age groups are most at risk from the coronavirus
• Five things everyone can do now to reduce the chances of getting the coronavirus

The Quinnipiac University panel will include:

• Dwayne Boucaud, professor of biomedical sciences and director of graduate medical laboratory Science and biomedical science programs
• Dennis Brown, clinical associate professor of physician assistant studies and director of physician assistant studies
• Sheila Molony, professor of nursing
• Carol Awasu, professor of social work and director of social work master’s program
• Thomas Martin, director of biomedical sciences, microbiology and Immunology
• W. John Thomas, professor of law

Janelle Chiasera, dean of the School of Health Sciences, will moderate the discussion.

The Quinnipiack Valley Health District shares the following information and recommendations:

To help avoid coming into contact with infectious diseases or spreading them to others, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions including these steps:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

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.

Facemasks are not generally recommended. Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people taking care of someone in close settings.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Hamden Public Schools also distributed a “robo call” to all district families in which the QVHD recommends the following home preparedness steps:

“QVHD and the CDC state that it's important for everyone to maintain a 3-day stockpile of essential items at home - regardless of emerging situations. These would come into play for any emergency - including hurricanes or snowstorms. You know the drill - buy milk and bread, extra batteries for flashlights, etc. In the event that the Coronavirus reaches our area, you won't need extra batteries for the flashlight, but it is possible that people will be asked to stay home for a period of about two weeks. For this reason, QVHD recommends that people be ready to store non-perishable foods and other essentials (like pet food, prescriptions, diapers) that could last for up to two weeks. Please note that this is not currently the recommendation - but could be recommended should the situation change.”