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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congressman Paul Mitchell (R-MI) reminded the public to take commonsense steps to prevent the spread of the common cold, flu, and the Coronavirus. Dingell and Mitchell remind people to replace handshakes or hugs with a bump of the elbow, wash their hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds, stay home when you are sick, and cough and sneeze into your elbow.

Video of Dingell and Mitchell giving commonsense tips and demonstrating an elbow bump is available here.

Photo of Dingell and Michell demonstrating an elbow bump is available here.

“Commonsense is the best tool we have to prevent illness such as the common cold, the flu, as well as the Coronavirus,” the lawmakers said. “Wash your hands, stay home when you are sick, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and bump don’t shake. Those are the best tools we have to prevent the spread of the coronavirus – as well as the common cold or the flu. As for facemasks, follow CDC’s recommendations: facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms and are crucial for healthcare workers. If you are well, you do not need a facemask.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• 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.

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