COVID-19 Info & Health Tips

People should use social distancing (keeping a physical distance of no less than 3ft between you and other persons not in your household) now that the Governor has issued a state of emergency. Please use common sense infection control precautions when out in public –

• Consider using online grocery and supply shopping
• If you go out in public – wash or sanitize hands afterward once you are in your vehicle or when you are able to reach a sink.
• Wear a mask if you are ill and must go out.

If you have questions or concerns please utilize the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) website: https://doh.sd.gov/news/coronavirus.aspx
This includes their hotline 1-800-997-2880
 
If you are ill and have questions please call your healthcare provider ahead of just showing up at a clinic. Make sure you tell them any symptoms you are experiencing, if you have been traveling, OR if you have been in contact with a KNOWN POSITIVE COVID19 person.
 
If you are ill and the symptoms are emergent please call 911 and let them know any symptoms you are experiencing, if you have been traveling, OR if you have been in contact with a KNOWN POSITIVE COVID19 person.
 
 

• WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN – use soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub.
  • Make your own if necessary sanitizer if necessary!
  • 1/3 cup 60%-70% isopropyl alcohol and 2/3 aloe vera or other gel/lotion you prefer – you can add 5 drops essential oil if you like that sort of thing!

 

• Use appropriate respiratory and hygiene etiquette. – cover coughs, sneezes, use a tissue for a runny nose, etc.

 

• Wipe off high touch surface areas at home, in the car, and at work at least once during the day.
  • I know the store shelves are pretty bare of disinfecting wipes. No worries! You can use household cleaners at home with a disposable paper towel (or however you typically clean). Please follow instructions on cleaning supplies as they typically need a few minutes to sit wet on a surface before wiping. You may mix a 1:10 bleach and water solution to clean with as well – TEST YOUR SURFACE FIRST so you don’t discolor anything!
  • You can even use baby wipes around public places. Baby wipes are effective at removing bacteria and viruses. People think you have to use an antibacterial wipe but what you are really looking for is mechanical removal (ELBOW GREASE) and some detergent is a bonus!
  • You can also make “baby wipes” at home by placing 1 Tbs coconut oil, 1 squirt of baby shampoo, 1 squirt of baby oil, 2 cups of water into a plastic container or baggie (check for leaks!) with any amount of paper towels/napkins sufficient to absorb the liquid. In fact, making your own will put less stress on parents trying to purchase them from already bare store shelves!
  • Microfibre cloths are also effective at virus removal. Follow instructions from manufacturers about use.

 

• STAY AT HOME IF YOU ARE ILL. – If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, can’t manage respiratory secretions, etc. you need to stay at home! Call your provider with symptoms ahead of time to be prescreened.

 
Please use reliable resources for information:
https://doh.sd.gov/news/coronavirus.aspx (DOH public COVID-19 information)
1-800-997-2880 (DOH public COVID-19 hotline)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html (CDC information)
 
Spread reliable information to the public:

• There are over 1 million COVID-19 tests distributed nationwide
  • The CDC reported this morning that 2 million more tests are being distributed
• CURRENTLY IN SOUTH DAKOTA – you can’t just walk in and demand testing. Healthcare facilities are screening patients because the Department of Health does not have their total test kit supply yet.

 
 
 
Bunny Christie, MS
Infection Preventionist
Brookings Health System

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Health Ministries

Your health and well-being is an important part of staying healthy spiritually. We have an active Health Ministry Team, facilitated by our Faith Community Nurse, Joanie Holm, which meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30p.m.  Joanie oversees a number of care ministries and support groups to serve our church and wider community. Contact Joanie at jholm229@gmail.com (unless noted otherwise) if you are interested or have questions.
 

Healthy Movement Class
This is a terrific exercise and fall prevention class for seniors offered in the Community Life Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 10 - 10:30am. There is also a good sized "walking" group that meets to walk about 30 minutes before exercise begins.

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Brookings Dementia Caregiver Support Group
This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.

​Visitation Ministry
Volunteers meet and plan activities regularly with church members who are not in the nursing home but may need some extra care or attention during times of physical    challenges or grief. 

Stroke Support Group
This group, created for stroke survivors and their caregivers, is meant to provide support and encouragement through the often long recovery and healing process. (Currently seeking members to continue. Please contact Joanie if interested and to see if the group is meeting.)