Ozaukee County Guide

(METRO) – COVID-19 continues to dominate head- lines across the globe. This novel coronavirus first made headlines in late 2019 after an outbreak in Wuhan, the sprawling capital city in China's Hubei province. The virus has since spread beyond China's borders, leading to school closures and changes in public life, such as the shutting down of professional sports leagues, that many might never have thought they would see in their lifetimes. Despite the relative infan- cy of COVID-19, doctors have learned much about it, including who might be most at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Con- trol and Prevention, early information out of China revealed that some groups are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 than others. Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are the chronic medical con- ditions that appear to make people especially vulnerable to sickness from COVID-19. How people in at-risk groups can reduce their risk of getting sick It's important that elderly people and people with chronic medical conditions take their risk for getting sick from COVID-19 serious- ly, as the virus had already contributed to thousands of deaths by early March 2020. The CDC notes that it is especially important that people at elevated risk take actions to reduce their risk of getting sick with the disease. The following strategies can be part of a proactive approach that may help at-risk people lower their risk of getting sick from COVID-19. • Stock up on health supplies. Contact your physician and arrange to obtain extra necessary medi- cations so you do not have to leave your home should an outbreak occur in your area. If that's not plausible, the CDC recommends signing up for mail-order medications. Stock up on over-the-counter medications and medical supplies, including everyday items like tissues, so you don't have to leave the house if an outbreak occurs. • Stock up on groceries. Make sure you have enough groceries on hand so you can stay at home if restrictions on leaving home are put in place during an outbreak. • Embrace the basics. Basic strategies like avoiding people who are sick; washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or spending time in public; avoiding touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.; and avoiding crowds can help to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19. Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China in late- December 2019, doctors have learned that certain people are especially vulnerable to getting sick from the virus. Such people can take certain steps that may reduce their risk of getting sick. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov. 2 • APRIL 15, 2020 • OZAUKEE COUNTY GUIDE GMTODAY.COM Appliances • Furniture • Electronics Automobiles • Remodeling • Construction Commercial • Garage & Basement WE HAUL JUNK (262) 617-1602 wehauljunk.net LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Our Business is Always Picking Up! Spring is here and that means local racing season begins! Conley Media is publishing the 2020 RACING INSIDER, which will include information about area tracks, drivers and other interesting topics for racing fans. Watch for it in the News Graphic on Thursday, April 30th and the Ozaukee County Guide on Wednesday, May 6. Use it all season. Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 14–May 7 in the News Graphic. Wednesdays, April 15–May 6 in the Ozaukee County Guide. Show your mom just how special she is. Find the perfect gift or dining experience in our Mother's Day Gift and Dining Guide. Happy Mother's Day! Ready for a Change? Itching to get at those Home & Garden projects you've been dreaming about? Check out our 2020 Spring Home & Garden publication for home and garden project tips to help save you time and money! Look for the special Spring Home & Garden section inside the April 17th Daily News, April 19th Washington County Post, April 21st News Graphic and April 22nd Ozaukee County Guide. 263173013 Who is at elevated risk for COVID-19?

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