City of Rusk issues public health notice

The recent Public Health Emergency Declarations by neighboring cities and counties with confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has prompted the city of Rusk to issue this public health notice. The following information is intended to provide guidance and important facts to all residents of Rusk, in order to communicate necessary safeguards, individuals, businesses, and households can utilize to better prepare a plan of action with the common goal of preventing the further spreading of the COVID-19.

It is important to note that, at the time of this notice, the city of Rusk does not have any confirmed or suspected cases. However, with nearby cases being confirmed in adjacent counties and municipalities, the city of Rusk must act accordingly to ensure the public’s health and safety. Subsequently, there is the possibility in days or weeks to come in which normal operations within the city must be altered and/or closed in order to minimize the risk of exposure. It is also important that everyone remain calm and limit public exposure as much as possible. Also, everyone should be aware of misinformation, whether intentional or unintentional, and always double-check if unsure. At the end of this report is a list of websites that one can find all of the latest and most up-to-date information.

The city of Rusk has not implemented any mandatory closures at this time. However, it is very important that everyone limit public exposure to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. City officials also want to remind the public of additional precautions and guidelines set forth by the CDC:

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

- Stay home when you are sick.

- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.