Leaders Take Precautions with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

When I was a Chemical Corps Officer in the United States Military, my specialty was Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare (NBC), Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

In dealing with chemical agents in a laboratory environment, we followed specific protocols to keep ourselves and others safe. As a degreed biologist, Chemical Corps Officer, and science teacher, I understand the importance of following procedures and taking precautions.

With the recent outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), leaders must take precautions to protect themselves and others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has alerted us, “the virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.” They’ve also stated, “there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019.” Additionally, “the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed” to the virus.

According to the CDC, “older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease, or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications.” Leaders take note; this situation is dangerous! Know how the virus spreads…

Since there is currently no vaccine and testing is still limited, the CDC has put out guidance on protection. Their guidance addresses the necessary precautions everyone should take. Here are the CDC’s steps to protect yourself:

1. Clean your hands often
2. Avoid close contact

There’s much more information on implementing these two steps, far too detailed to discuss here. For example, when cleaning your hands with a hand sanitizer, it must be at least 60% alcohol-based.

Using social distancing of 3 to 6 feet, not shaking hands, and avoiding crowds are practices that will help you keep you out of proximity with the virus.

Speaking of family members and loved ones, here are the CDC’s steps to protect others:

1. Stay home if you are sick
2. Cover coughs and sneezes
3. Wear a facemask if you are sick
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

Although the CDC’s guidance is to stay home when you are sick, you will need to seek medical care.

If you haven’t done so, click HERE to read the CDC’s guidance on How to Protect Yourself.

Keep in mind there are some routine things we do, and we can’t avoid that may expose us, such as:

• Filling our vehicles with gasoline
• Touching public door handles or light switches
• Handling menu’s at restaurants

Think critically about your actions and the actions of others to maximize protection against the virus.

When buying hand sanitizer and soap, only buy what you need for a couple of weeks. When we overbuy, there will be others who will have difficulty finding the supplies needed for their family and loved ones.

Why is this important? Because others won’t be able to take care of themselves, their families, and their loved ones. And think about this, if they get the virus, they could give it to you, your family members, or your loved ones…

Leaders must lead by example, taking precautions during times of emergency. As a leader, the action you take will influence the actions of others.

“When everyone feels that risks are at their minimum, over-confidence can take over and elementary precautions start to get watered down.”

Ian MacFarland

As a nation, we are facing an uncertain future as COVID-19 invades our communities. As a leader, others will look to us for leadership and encouragement. In difficult times, I turn to my faith for strength. God offers us wisdom and direction in His words.

If you are looking for reassurance during this difficult time, I suggest the book of Psalms. One of my favorites is Psalm 91. David wrote:

“Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.”

Psalm 91:6 (NLT)

Trust God and take the necessary precautions. We will overcome this disease!

Are you taking precautions with the Coronavirus Disease?

#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim

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