Sen. Harckham Releases Short PSA Video on COVID-19 Precautions

New York State Senator Pete Harckham released today a public service announcement (PSA) video on the coronavirus pandemic and precautions that residents can take to stop the spread of the disease.

“With all of the concern regarding the spread of the coronavirus, I want to take the time to provide you with the important emergency measures New York State has taken to combat the spread of this pandemic,” Harckham says in the video, adding that the state’s Department of Health has a created a 24-hour hotline and a website for people to contact directly if they are experiencing the flu-like symptoms that are associated with the COVID-19 virus.

The NYS Department of Health COVID-19 24/4 “hotline” phone number is 1-888-364-3065. The department’s website is health.ny.gov.

The increase of positive coronavirus cases, Harckham explains, is based on new, additional testing that is taking place, and the rising numbers are to be expected, and should not be a cause for panic.

Right now, it is important that people take the right precautionary measures to protect themselves and others stop the spread of the virus, Harckham says. Those measures include:

• Washing your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds;
• Use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Covering your mouth completely when coughing or sneezing;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces; and
• Avoid any gatherings or events with a large crowd.

Most importantly, says Harckham, do not go to work if you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, such as coughing and / or shortness of breath.

Here is a link and URL for the video: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorPeteHarckham/videos/222743029100392/.