The Dallas Makerspace is a volunteer-run community space. It is important that we come together as a community to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic. We all must do our part.
DMS is and has been taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of Coronavirus should someone at the space become ill.
We have placed hand sanitizers at the entrance doors. These will be stocked with purell or our own mix that is the recommended 60% alcohol solution.
We are stocking extra Lysol and Clorox wipes as fast as we can get them, these will be available around the space and we will restock as needed.
We are stocking up on soap for each of the sinks. We ask that everyone follow the recommendation that you wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
We also want to impress on people, if you are sick, go home. Do not try and power through it, or take a ton of DayQuil and keep going. You are risking other people’s health when you do that. Be considerate of the community and get rest at home when you are sick. If you see someone is sick, tell them to go home. We have many members that fall into the high-risk age group and members with compromised immune systems. If you are sick don’t come in.
–Update–
We are asking that everyone follow a social distancing policy as recommended by the CDC. Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible. I know this is hard at DMS, but there are a few things you can do to achieve it. First, consider changing your schedule to avoid peak hours at the space. There are lots of off-hours times when it’s easy to be 6 feet away from everyone. Second, don’t congregate in the galley or common room if you can avoid it.
Additionally, if you have had recent exposure to someone who has traveled to areas of high risk or had exposure to anyone who has been diagnosed with the disease, please self-quarantine for the recommended time period.
The CDC has published the following information that you may find helpful.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
Additionally, the World Health Organization has published useful information that can help you understand and prepare for this outbreak and really just any flu in general.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public