Every morning is beautiful in this county, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lake County is the exception at this time because most of the population is abiding by the stay in place ordered by the Lake County Department of Health, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

We have no confirmed cases, as of today. Public Health Office Dr. Gary Pace has been very informed and informative to the residents of Lake County about COVID-19.

I don’t think I have missed a meeting, either remotely or in-person, to inform Lake County residents of the extreme danger this virus could inflict on the population all over the world, including our county.

Because we are adhering to these guidelines and realizing the extreme risk we would be taking if we venture outside these guidelines it has kept our county free of this dangerous, possibly fatal disease called the coronavirus.

DO:

1. Wash your hand several times a day for 20 seconds. Use sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol or soap and water:
A. Before cooking or eating;
B. After using the bathroom;
C. After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

2. Learn the symptoms, which are similar to the flu:
A. fever;
B. cough;
C. shortness of breath.

3. Consider taking precautions and staying out of public places:
A. If you are over 60 years old or have a condition such as heart disease.
B. Reconsider travel to affected countries, and avoid cruises.
C. Get ready to stay in place. You may need to be quarantined for 14 days.
D. Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
E. Prioritize your health. Don’t do things that can weaken your immune system.

4. Check in on high-risk neighbors, even if it only by phone or computers.

DON’T:

1. Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth (touching your face can help it enter your body).

2. Wear a mask if you are sick.

3. Don’t travel if you have a fever. Contact a health professional.

4. Don’t panic. At this point, health officials say the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 is low if you take the proper precautions.

5. Don’t skip the flu shot. There is still time to get the flu shot.

These are simple things that can substantially lower your risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Bill Kearney, R.Ph., is a pharmacy consultant and a District 5 supervisorial candidate. He lives in Kelseyville, California.