NEWPORT, Vermont— Acting Chief Travis R. Bingham and the Newport Police Department wish to provide the residents of Newport with information regarding the city’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Effectively immediately, only municipal employees will be allowed to enter the municipal building, with the exception of members of the public who have appointments. Access to the police lobby window will continue as normal.
Residents should be aware that police, fire and inspection service members have all been instructed to, if possible, maintain a social distance of six feet between individuals when responding to calls and avoid unnecessary personal contact. The Police and Fire Departments are working with dispatchers and ambulance staff to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Those calling 911 for police or fire services will find that dispatchers are asking a number of questions about the health of the caller and those in their household to better prepare first responders and keep them safe from possible exposure to the virus.
Prevention
The COVID-19 situation is very fluid, and new information and guidelines are being posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a regular basis. The CDC offers the following guidance for how COVID-19 spreads.
If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure.
If you are ill, call your health care provider to find out if you should be seen for an evaluation and consideration of testing. Your health care provider will arrange for testing if they determine that a test is needed.
Other Guidelines Include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
For the most up-to-date information and guidance about COVID-19, including from the CDC, click here.
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