Franklin County Public Health Services Reminds All to Beware of COVID-19, Colds, and Flu

The weather is changing and as we start to spend more time indoors, Franklin County Public Health Services (FCPHS) reminds everyone - vaccinated and unvaccinated – that we are empowered to help stop the spread of COVID-19, colds, and flu by following the safety guidelines we’ve practiced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Continue to wash your hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds. (Sing the Happy Birthday song twice.) Hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available.

• Clean high touch areas in your home on a regular basis. (Think fridge and freezer door handles, light switches, and sink and shower controls.)

• Reduce gathering sizes and visit outdoors whenever possible.

• Wear a mask. People may choose to wear a mask at any time. When choosing to wear a mask, make sure it covers both your nose and mouth. Wearing a mask in indoor public spaces is especially important when people have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with colds, flu or COVID-19. It's also a good way to avoid germs when in crowded spaces.

• If you feel sick, stay home.

• If unvaccinated, please get vaccinated! Vaccines for flu are available at our Monday and Wednesday vaccination clinics. Call 518 481-1710 for a flu vaccine appointment and for up-to-date information about our COVID-19 vaccine availability. Vaccines are also available at your local pharmacy Vaccines.gov - Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you and provider's office. Unsure about what vaccines you need? Talk to your health care provider.

• Stay up-to-date on local flu and COVID-19 information and conditions: - COVID.gov - Find COVID-19 guidance for your community