New post on Lacey Township Police Department
Be Aware of COVID-19 Scams- March 22, 2020
by Lacey Police
As we all do our best to protect ourselves and our families during this tough time, there are others who are going to take advantage. There have been reports of several scams that are directly connected to the COVID-19 outbreak and we are urging our residents to be mindful of suspicious people, emails, and phone calls.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with other health organizations, are not completing surveys or asking for donations due to the pandemic. Although not in our community, reports have suggested that suspects portraying members of the CDC or Red Cross have been going door to door with a fraudulent survey in an attempt to enter your home. Should anyone posing as such come to your residence, do not answer and contact your local police department. Call 911 in an emergency. There have been other reports of phone calls and emails offering COVID-19 test kits, medical supplies, and offers to other free services that are all fictitious.
As we progress through this pandemic, we expect that fraudulent activity and scams will flourish. Please be vigilant against supplying personal information, bank account information, and credit cards to anyone that you have not contacted directly. Additionally, any request for payments through a gift card are fraudulent and must not be entertained. Please report any such activity to our agency and family members in an attempt to discourage these acts in our community.
As always, our officers continue to be committed to our township and are working long hours to protect our residents. Although all of your concerns continue to be a priority, please be reminded that minor calls for service can be reported over the phone or through the Internet at Lacey Township Police Blotter. This limited contact between our officers and the residents will benefit us all.
Thank you.
-Chief Michael C. DiBella
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19
Know How it Spreads
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). For additional information www.cdc.gov/coronavirus