Kitchen Angels was founded on the belief that neighbors helping neighbors is the best way to keep a community strong. As we learn more about COVID-19 and the 2019 novel coronavirus, we know that the best way to help each other is to stay calm and be thoughtful, vigilant and compassionate.
See below for a short video that gives useful information on the virus:
Now, here’s what we are asking from you to make sure our staff, volunteers, and clients remain healthy and safe.
If you don’t feel well, stay home. From what we know, many of the initial symptoms of COVID-19 can seem like a mild cold or seasonal allergy symptoms. If you think you may have a cold, or think you have allergies and aren’t sure, stay home.
If you’re caring for someone who isn’t well, stay home. Even if you feel fine, you risk spreading the virus. You may also put the person for whom you’re caring at risk if they’re not currently sick with COVID-19. Again, caution and vigilance are key.
If you think you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, stay home. Again, even if you feel fine, you risk spreading the virus. Until there’s a vaccine, the best thing you can do is avoid the possibility of spreading the virus.
Let Lauren know if you won’t be coming in for your shift.
The basic kitchen and food handling safety efforts we always practice at Kitchen Angels are what the CDC recommends to avoid COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds;
- Don’t touch your hands to your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow and wash your hands afterwards; and
- Wipe down surfaces such as counters, light switches and door handles with sanitizer.
The infectious disease specialists at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Hospital are working with the hospital’s staff to make sure they can properly care for folks who might develop COVID-19. Unless you develop symptoms that put you in the high-risk category for complications, they’re asking that you stay at home, treat the symptoms, and self-quarantine.
The New Mexico Department of Health has a site with the latest information on COVID-19 activity and up-to-date treatment information, as well as links to other sites including the US Centers for Disease Control and Surveillance. In addition, here is another short video from the World Health Organization that offers some easy to understand information on COVID-19.
Thank you for your vigilance. We want you to stay safe, healthy and informed.