The situation surrounding the Coronavirus, officially titled COVID-19, continues to develop. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly update their statistics as more is learned about the disease.
MAIN is continually monitoring this evolving situation. We are working closely with our local show hosts, and following the recommendations of local administrations as well as guidance from the CDC.
MAIN continues to follow guidance from the CDC, state and local departments of health, and school districts to ensure a safe, healthy environment for our participants and fans, but also urges all parties to take precautions they normally would to limit the spread of any illness, such as frequent hand washing.
While the CDC believes the current risk to the American public is low, there are still steps that individuals, and organizations, can take to protect themselves.
WHAT INDIVIDUALS CAN DO
The CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures. These measures include:
• Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to COVID-19-related virus.
• Wash your hands and do so frequently especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Use regular soap and water and sing Happy Birthday (to yourself) while you wash. This will take approximately 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available/convenient, use an alcohol-based gel in its place. To be effective, the alcohol content should be 60% or higher.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are displaying symptoms.
• When leaving the restroom, use a paper towel or tissue when reaching for the door handle. Dispose of immediately.
• When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth AND nose with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer with >60% alcohol content. If a tissue is not available, sneeze or cough into a flexed elbow.
• When talking with people, keep some distance. Keep at least one arms distance between you and other people, especially if they are sneezing and/or coughing.
• Eat smart to maintain your strength.
• Sleep is important – plan your schedules accordingly.
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects such as performance equipment, instruments, props, and tarps with sanitizing wipes.
• Avoid handshakes or hugs.
As we receive new information or updates we will communicate directly with our unit directors. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected]