Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) shared a message Sunday evening from renowned championship golfer Jack Nicklaus, who wants to encourage Americans to take smart precautions amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“The last week or so has been an incredibly confusing time,” said Nicklaus in a video statement posted by the governor. “We need to be safe, we need to be smart. And many of your kids, you’re going to a lot of places and may bring [coronavirus] home to the senior citizen. I don’t think that’s what you want to do.”
“Let’s all make sure we wash our hands, let’s make sure we’re very smart about where we go and when we go, let’s try and stay away from public places, let’s just be smart,” he said.
The 80-year-old Masters Tournament champion then transitioned to an optimistic message, saying that the coronavirus epidemic is a challenge that Americans will get through together.
“Americans have always been smart, American have always gotten through these things, and we’ll get through this one. My friend, as much as I hate not watching things and not being part of it, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Nicklaus. “So be smart, stay healthy, and make sure that you’re taking consideration of your fellow Americans.”
My friend @jacknicklaus wanted to share an important message: we need to be smart, be safe, be careful where we go. DON’T TAKE A CHANCE.
Our seniors are the most vulnerable population, but young people can get infected and spread the virus. #CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/gcrV6rNtRQ
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 15, 2020
The public health announcement comes as collegiate and professional sports leagues across the country suspend games and tournaments to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, which the Centers for Disease Control says presents the highest risk to senior citizens and people with serious chronic health conditions.
The particular risk to the elderly has resulted in Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) calling on the state’s senior citizens to stay home and away from the public at-large, including engaging in non-essential travel.
“We recognize that social isolation for millions of Californians is anxiety inducing but we recognize what all the science bears out and … we need to meet this moment head-on and lean in,” said Newsom in a Sunday press conference, reports The Los Angeles Times.
Last Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control encourages all people, regardless of age or health condition, to follow the following health precautions:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)