(Pictured is Litter Media’s Dan Ramey with Adena’s Amy Robertson and Dr. Wael Haidar to his right and to his left, Dr. Christopher Brown, Michelle Long and Ben Avery of the Ross County HealthDepartment before the taping of an interview. See bottom of this story).

While America grips with the threat of the Coronavirus, Ross County Health officials say they’re prepared.

Tuesday, Litter Media’s Dan Ramey sat down with representatives of the Ross County Health District and Adena Health System to put rumors to rest and discuss how to handle COVID-19.

Ben Avery, Administrator for the Health District, Health Commissioner and Medical Director Christopher Brown, MD and Director of Nursing, Michelle Long were joined by Adena Health System’s Wael Haidar, MD with Infectious Diseases and Director of Quality Services Amy Roberton talked about how prepared the Health District and Adena are per chance an outbreak of the COVID-19 were to descend on Ohio’s First Capital and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Haidar explains coronavirus has been around for awhile and while there’s currently no vaccine, the push is on for pharamaceutical companies to develop a vaccine.

Avery adds the main thing is to get the word out to wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds and there’s no need to rush out and purcahase surgical masks, which are relatively useless. If you are sick, stay home.

Long suggests ensuring you have enough non-perishable food to last 14 days at one’s home per chance you’re holed up in the house for that period. The group adds the coronavirus can live on surfaces, so wipe down those surfaces which are touched often. Eliminate greetings with a handshake or fist bump, a simple “hello” will do.

These tips and more are in the interview below.

For more details, visit www.cdc.gov and www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.