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As of this writing, there have been zero confirmed cases linked to COVID-19 in the state of Alabama. That is not to say that this will not change and change quickly, especially with several cases popping up in metro Atlanta.

Still, there is no need to panic, however, being cautious can help our community remain safe from this virus.

There is still a lot of unknowns about the disease that has become a global concern. Yet and still, we need to remain calm and exercise common sense.

EAMC has taken many steps to ensure their staffs are properly educated and trained on how to deal with potential cases.

We applaud all their efforts to keep us up to date on all of their workshops, policies and procedures that relate to keeping the community and current patients informed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports symptoms can appear between two and 14 days after exposure and typically include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Health officials recommend visiting a doctor if symptoms appear, and they ask that you inform the doctor’s office prior to your arrival in order to protect other patients and workers.

Be diligent.

Adhere to the recommendations of health care officials on how to limit the outbreaks. We have written these recommendations on a few occasions in this space, but will do so again.

– Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (you can find good songs with a 20-second chorus to sing while washing hands like, Landslide by Fleetwood Mac; Lose Yourself by Eminem, The Alphabet Song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star among many more).

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. (For amusement, there is a YouTube compilation of officials making this statement then touching their faces).

– Cover cough and sneezes.

– Stay home and away from others when sick.

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

– Clean and disinfect objects that are frequently touched.

Don’t all these sound familiar? They should, they are all general commonsense hygiene practices everyone should already practicing.

Common sense is our best course of action at this point.