MATTAWA — As toilet paper and bottled water fly off the shelves because of the fervor among some people over the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, many agencies, such as health departments and medical clinics, are trying to alert residents to the things they can do to prevent or slow the spread of the virus.

“The number one thing to remind people is to calm down,” said Dana Fox, CEO for the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic. “This is a flu.”

Fox said that stocking up on bottled water isn’t necessary because groundwater and public drinking systems aren’t affected by COVID-19. She also implied that purchasing toilet paper is something that residents should already be doing.

“I hope you were using it before,” Fox said.

She also said that while hand sanitizer can help kill germs, washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the best way to get rid of unwanted germs.

“If you sneeze, put the (tissue) in the garbage and wash your hands,” Fox said. “If you are sick, stay home.”

Fox also said that instead of shaking hands, do a bump with feet or elbows.

Reports on COVID-19 are indicating that those with young, healthy lungs either are not getting the virus or are only having mild respiratory issues. The population being most affected are those over 60 years old and those with pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, weakened immune systems and pregnancy.

While the virus can be deadly to certain groups, it is important to remember that more viruses than COVID-19 kill people and that normal cold and flu viruses are still circulating.

“In China, 3,500 died from this (COVID-19),” Fox said. “Five thousand died from the flu.”

If someone thinks they may possibly have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it, they are asked to call their medical provider before coming into the clinic, according to Karen Potts, public information officer for the Adams County Health Department.

“If someone meets the criteria where there is a suspected case, they’ll probably start out with voluntary isolation,” Potts said. “They should remain home. They should do temperature checks daily and report that to us.”

If a patient gets to the point where they feel they need medical care, they should call their provider and answer questions about their symptoms over the phone. This prevents exposing others to the virus that may not have otherwise been exposed. Testing for COVID-19 does not have to take place inside a hospital or medical clinic.

“If someone is really ill, they will be admitted to whatever health care facility is determined best for them,” Potts said. “They may go to larger hospitals out of the county.”

Those who are under suspicion of the virus will be monitored by the local county health department. Those who are sick enough to need medical treatment will be put under the care of a physician.

“It’s very much like the flu,” Potts said. “It is just a different and new type of coronavirus. Any time something is new, it is frightening to people. So much in the media is scary. People don’t need to be afraid, they need to be educated. That is the role of public health — to teach people what they can do to protect themselves. They can do that through washing hands often with soap and warm water; don’t touch eyes, nose or mouth when not clean. If you’re sick, stay home. Avoid close contact with others when sick. Cover your mouth when you cough.”

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.