Coronavirus defense at Central California Food Bank

We understand the spread of Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is concerning and you may be wondering how this affects Central California Food Bank. As you are probably aware, this respiratory illness does not currently have a large number of reported cases in the U.S., but now is in California, including 3 cases in local counties (1 case each in Fresno, Madera and Tulare Counties). The COVID-19 strain presents with pneumonia-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

Central California Food Bank is in contact with our partner agencies and county officials with the priority of ensuring a consistent food supply for all of our clients.

We couldn’t accomplish all that we do without our valued volunteers and staff. We appreciate solid work ethics, but we need to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. That’s why we have reached out to staff members and volunteers to let them know we want them to stay home if they are feeling ill–especially if they have a fever, cough or flu-like symptoms. Volunteers and employees displaying symptoms will be asked to go home for the safety of our employees, our volunteers, and the people we serve.

Here are some things YOU can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses:

• Stay home if you are feeling ill.

• Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day with soap and water.This is the most effective way of preventing illness. The Center for Disease Control recommends lathering soap onto the backs of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails for 20 seconds. (Try humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice).

• Use hand sanitizers, it’s not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water, but it is helpful.

• Turn away from others when sneezing and coughing and do so into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!

• Avoid touching your nose and/or mouth(We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific.

• Avoid handshaking! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.

• Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches, printer buttons, etc.

• Open doors with your closed fist or hip– do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and commercial doors.

 

It is our recommendation that services proceed as normal but at this time two distributions have been cancelled until further notice.

Highway City Central- Monday, March 16, 2020

The Fresno Center- Monday, March 23, 2020

 

It’s important for all of us to be informed and have reliable sources of information.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Fresno County Department of Public Health: https://www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-health/covid-19

Madera County Department of Public Health: https://www.maderacounty.com/government/public-health/health-updates/corona-virus

County of Kings Department of Public Health: https://www.countyofkings.com/departments/health-welfare/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Kern County Department of Public Health Services: https://kernpublichealth.com/2019-novel-coronavirus/

Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency: https://tchhsa.org/eng/index.cfm/public-health/covid-19-updates-novel-coronavirus/