WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and many different species of animals. Currently a new string of Coronavirus (version COVID-19) is a respiratory illness which symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be mild to severe and last anywhere from 2-14 days.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

PRIMARY: Person-to-person; close contact with someone who is infected SECONDARY: Surfaces or objects; touching the mouth, nose or eyes after contacting the bacteria  

WHAT IS THE FLEET SCIENCE CENTER DOING?

As health and safety is always the highest priority at the Fleet, we consistently implement procedures recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of colds and flus throughout the year. In light of the growing concerns over the Coronavirus, the Fleet is increasing the frequency of all of our procedures to maintain a clean & healthy environment.   • Increasing hand sanitizer dispenser stations placed throughout the Fleet Science Center. • Making more sanitizing wipes available at Front Entrance, Kids City, Studio X, Dome Theater entrance and the Virtual Reality station for users to clean objects and equipment before/after touching. • Increasing the frequency of our Protexus Electrostatic Disinfecting Sprayer to sanitize frequently touched surfaces (exhibitions, doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, etc.) • Ensuring handwashing supplies are well stocked. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19?

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Use soap and warm water, lathering for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (60-95% alcohol) may be used to supplement but should not be substituted for handwashing when that option is available. • Stay home when you’re sick. Staff and volunteers should stay home when they’re sick. Return to work only once you’ve been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. • Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then discard it immediately and wash your hands. If a tissue is unavailable, use your elbow or upper sleeve to cover your mouth and nose. Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands. • Keep the environment clean. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as workstations, countertops, doorknobs, light switches and remote controls.    For the latest information on Coronavirus visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html