Coronavirus: Milwaukee School Officials Encourage Social Distancing

Press release from Milwaukee Public Schools:

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

An important step in staying healthy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is avoiding contact with the virus. The Safer at Home order issued by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is designed to help reduce the spread of illness. All residents are asked to follow guidelines for safety, including social distancing.

Social distancing, which some officials prefer to call physical distancing, simply means avoiding contact with others. Because some individuals can carry coronavirus without feeling sick, health officials recommend limiting the chances of coming into contact with the virus.

Enhance your family’s safety by following the guidelines of social distancing.

• Stay home as much as possible. Go to public places only for health care or for essentials such as food, medicine, and cleaning supplies. Try to get everything in one trip if possible.
• Avoid touching objects when possible—railings, shelves, checkout counters. When making a purchase, touch only the item you need and avoid other packages.
• Do not host or attend gatherings with people outside your immediate household. Do not schedule play dates for children.
• Spend time with loved ones by phone or by video messaging such as Skype or Facetime.
• When you go out in public, stay at least six feet away from others at all times. Many grocery stores and drugstores have tape lines on the floor near checkout lines to help customers keep a safe distance from each other.
• When you return home, wash hands immediately. Sanitize your keys, car (steering wheel, gear shift, door handles, and other touched surfaces), and door knobs.
• Avoid touching others when picking up food in a drive-through or when food or packages are delivered.
• When using public transportation, remain at least six feet away from others.
• Getting outdoors is permitted and recommended for fresh air and exercise. Stay at least six feet away from other people when outdoors.

For more information about the Wisconsin Safer at Home order, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

For more information about staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the MPS COVID-19 Updates web page.

This press release was produced by Milwaukee Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.