March 19, 2020 at 10:50am | Bob Myers
There is a significant amount of concern about COVID-19, a relatively recently discovered disease caused by a type of virus known as a coronavirus.  A lot is still unknown about the virus and the disease that it causes, and this is causing some people a great deal of anxiety.  Major conferences and events are being canceled, people are buying up supplies (even if they shouldn’t), and the internet is filled with memes teaching people how to wash their hands.

Here’s some info from the CDC that can help you to protect yourself, especially if you’re confused by some of the contradicting advice that you might have seen online.

What Is COVID-19?

Even though it’s mostly referred to simply as “coronavirus”, the virus that causes COVID-19 is actually a novel coronavirus that’s been designated “SARS-CoV-2” and sometimes referred to as “2019-nCoV.” COVID-19 itself is a potentially severe respiratory illness that typically presents with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. While most people who become infected with COVID-19 recover, the disease can be severe and even fatal. Those at greatest risk from COVID-19 are individuals older than 60 years of age and those with preexisting conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Decluttering to Prevent Illness

If you want to clean up to try and prevent coronavirus infection, a good first step is to declutter your home. This will eliminate surfaces where the virus could linger, making it easier to disinfect your home and keep it clean. Decluttering can also have a positive effect on mental health and anxiety levels, which can improve your overall wellbeing and even provide a bit of a boost to the immune system.

Disinfecting Surfaces

The US Centers for Disease Control recommend disinfecting surfaces with regular household disinfectant wipes and sprays. While many of these have not been tested specifically for use against SARS-CoV-2, they are effective against some other common coronaviruses and are likely to at least reduce infectiousness if not kill the virus completely. Other household cleaners and disinfecting practices are also likely to be at least partially effective.

Don’t Panic

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t panic. Don’t stockpile supplies that you don’t need, buy sensible amounts of the things that you do need, and take reasonable steps like avoiding large crowds and not shaking hands. One of the best ways to stay safe from COVID-19 is limit contact with the public, keep your home clean, apply some common sense to your preparations and try to make the best of this situation.  

Reconnect! Have random dance parties, go for a walk outside, do a craft, bake something together and call friends and family you've been meaning to call. We're all in this together.

If you have some kiddos at home and want some screen time ideas:
                            
1). Switcheroo Zoo      Site address: www.switcheroozoo.com       
What it does: Helps them learn about animals by watching, listening and playing games.        

2). Nat Geo for Kids     Site address: www.kids.nationalgeographic.com       
What it does: Kids learn about geography and fascinating animals.        

3). Into the Book    Site address: www.reading.ecb.org       
What it does: Through playing games, kids can practice reading strategies.        

4). Suessville     Site address: www.seussville.com       
What it does: Allows kids to hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friends, all while playing games and reading.        

5). ABC YA     Site address: abcya.com       
What it does: Allows kids to practice math and reading skills.        

6). Fun Brain     Site address: www.funbrain.com       
What it does: Helps kid practice math and reading while playing games.        

7). PBS Kids     Site address: www.pbs.org       

8). Star Fall     Site address: www.starfall.com       
What it does: Students can practice their phonics skills with read-along stories.        

9). Storyline online     Site address: www.storylineonline.net       
What it does: Movie stars read their favorite stories to kids.        

10). Highlights Kids    Site address: www.highlightskids.com       

Please consider The Myers Team your resource for all things real estate.  We have over 30 years of real estate experience, specializing in the Montgomery County area.  If you are refinancing, want a recommendation, need a service provider or just have a home related question, please give me a call at  301-910-9910 or email me at bobmyersteam@gmail.com  .
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