Essential worker safety

Communities are stepping up to donate medical items to front-line workers.

However many essential employees need to protect themselves too.

That could be our next stron&-p?

Themselves-- and their families-- safe.

0:31-0:58 1:17-1:53 2:10-2:22 communities are stepping up to help essential workers around middle georgia.

Through donations of face masks, gloves, and other protective medical equipment, those on the frontlines are experiencing a newfound support.

However, several essential workers may not know how to keep themselves and their families safe during this critical time.

Those with families at home who have a chance of spreading the virus, may not know the best health practices.

Melissa brantley, health promotion coordinator with the south central health district, says cover your face and avoid close proximity.

"although we may not be on the frontlines and working in a hospital, we still know that we have community spread.

So i guess you could make an assumption that anyone in your community could potentially have covid."

Brantley says workers should take off their shoes before going inside, and use a covering to open the door.

Next, remove your clothes, and place them in a trash bag until they can be washed.

After that, shower and wash all clothes and face shields used during the day.

Then sanitize everything you have touched.

"those are things you are doing that can help prevent the spread.

Of course there's no 100% guarantee.

But we can take some of these simple steps to hopefully reduce the likelihood that we're going to spread it to ourselves or our families."

The south central health district also encourages essential workers to maintain their physical and mental health.

Myrana craig, the director from enhance behavioral center in macon, says most workers the c-d-c recommends