COVID-19 Blog

Taking Care in the Age of Coronavirus

Things have changed. I mean, they have really, REALLY changed.  Over the weekend Downtown resembled a ghost town, harkening back to the days before local efforts began to revitalize the city. 

And that’s a good thing. It means people are taking seriously the need to participate in social distancing – a necessary precaution in order to flatten the curve and slow the rate of infection.

But what if we or someone we love still gets sick? Despite all our efforts to self-isolate for the greater good of the community, what if COVID-19 hits home?
The CDC has some guidelines.

  • Stay home. Don’t go to work, school, or any other public places. (If you do have to go out, don’t use public transportation or any kind of ride sharing.)
  • Be hyperaware of your symptoms. Monitor them and if they get worse, call your healthcare provider ASAP.
  • If you do have to go see your doctor, call ahead with a head’s up. They need to know that you think you might have COVID-19.
  • Rest and stay hydrated.
  • For any medical emergency, call 911. Again, notify dispatch that you think you have COVID-19.
  • If you cough or sneeze, cover with a tissue or your sleeve.
  • Wash your hands! Use soap and hot water – 20 seconds at least. If using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, it must contain at least 60% alcohol.
  • Stay away from others! If you are ill, isolate yourself in a room and use a separate bathroom if possible. If you have to be around others in the home, wear a face mask.
  • Don’t share personal items with others in your home, like hand towels, glasses, dishware, bedding.
  • Clean with a disinfectant all surfaces that are touched often like counters, doorknobs, tabletops, etc. 

When to seek medical attention

Call 911 immediately if you or someone in your home has:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

This is not an inclusive list. As always, consult your medical provider if you are experiencing any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. More specific instructions on caring for someone with mild COVID-19 symptoms, issued by the WHO, can be found here.

Apr 03

[ARCHIVED] Essential City Services Continue During Coronavirus Outbreak #2

The original item was published from April 3, 2020 1:46 PM to April 3, 2020 4:15 PM

Essential City Services Continue During Coronavirus Outbreak

On Friday, March 27, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring the citizens of Wichita Falls to stay home except for essential needs.


But rest assured that essential government services are still operating. You can pay utility bills online, have your trash picked up, or call the library for reference and information services. Turn on your faucet and the water still runs!

City workers have worked out new schedules to ensure that citizens in our community will be served. Many departments have reduced their staffing by half and are implementing a rotating weekly schedule. With pride and professionalism, we are committed to providing the best service as possible during these uncertain times.

In addition, our police, firefighters, and maintenance crews continue to work around the clock to maintain their normal routines.

Public transportation via the bus system remains open, with customers being encouraged to utilize social distancing. Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft are open as well. All of these venues should be used for essential travel only. When possible, walk or drive yourself to places as needed.

Going out

City facilities are currently closed to the public but employees are still operating to provide services to the community.

Grocery stories are essential services, as are pharmacies and restaurants (take-out only).

When going to any facility that is open during the coronavirus outbreak, use social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19.

  • Keep 6 feet between you and others at all times
  • Do not touch other people (no shaking hands or hugs)
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (20 seconds each time)

Contact us by phone or online

We’re happy to help you via phone or online. Here’s some helpful links for your convenience:

Wichita Falls Public Library: 940-767-0868 or online form

Comments

MyTown i love
January 31, 2022 at 2:25 AM
i think that something like this will prevent https://touchlessfaucets.info/10-best-touchless-soap-dispenser-and-sanitizer-for-your-home/ spread of germs.