Not much new to add except that as of yesterday, the Warden and Mayors of Oxford County municipalities have decided NOT to issue a state of emergency…yet. That could change is the current situation changes. Keep checking your local government websites in addition to the provincial and federal websites.

In the meantime, with people staying at home, here are some questions you may have about cleaning around your home with answers from various websites and the New York Times:

-how often should you clean high-traffic surfaces? Answer: every day and even in between regular cleanings;

-will wipes work? Answer: yes. Look for sprays and/or wipes that promise to kill 99.9% of germs;

-if you don’t have sprays or wipes? Answer: soapy water should work (a few drops of dish soap for eight ounces of water). Soap and water won’t kill all germs, but scrubbing with soapy water should remove coronavirus and other germs from surfaces;

-what is a high-touch surface? Answer: those places were you and your family leave a million fingerprints every day, like door knobs, light switches, appliance doors (refrigerators, microwaves, etc.), drawer or cupboard handles, the TV remote, computers, table and counter tops where you cook and eat, handles (faucet and toilet);

-how thorough should you be? Answer: a spray and vigorous wipe should be enough, but make sure you go all the way around door knobs and all over light switches;

-do you need gloves? Answer: they are recommended, but if you don’t have any, make sure to wash your hands before AND after you clean;

-should you wash your gloves after? Answer: yes, if you’re going to use them again. And it’s a good idea to use separate gloves for the bathroom and separate gloves for washing dishes. Once you’re done, wash your gloved hands with soap and water, dry them, take off the gloves and store them, and then wash your bare hands;

And…when you get home, if you’ve been out anywhere, take off your shoes, hang up your coat and immediately go wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

Stay safe…and wash your hands, OFTEN!