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Cannon Hospital Requests Coronavirus Donations of Hand Sanitizer for Staffers and Patients

By Tim Gardner

Officials at Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville are asking for assistance from the community, by way of hand sanitizer, to assist in protecting both patients and health care workers from Coronavirus. The request of hand sanitizer comes at a time when there is a national shortage and the number of COVID-19 patients is rising across the nation, state and region.

Cannon officials said the hospital will purchase or replace the hand sanitizer contributions when adequate supplies are available again.

Those interested in making donations should contact: Stephanie P. Greer, MBA, Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System by phone at (828) 737-7636 or email sgreer@apprhs.org

Donations are being accepted at the hospital.

Potential donors who are not feeling well, or who have contact with people who are not feeling well, are kindly asked to refrain from donating at this time.

What You Need to Know About Coronavirus:

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads-

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention & Treatment-

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the National Center for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

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.

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.