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The U.S. National Library of Medicine says only about 1% of bacteria can make you sick—which doesn't seem like cause for concern. To a degree, you shouldn't be concerned. But if you've ever experienced debilitating stomach cramps or a painful strep throat infection, you might be more aware of the pathogens around you.
The CDC recommends washing your hands often, especially before preparing food (and after handling raw foods). You should stay home when you're sick, and avoid spending time with people who are sick. These are ways you can protect yourself, but you should also protect yourself by being picky about the businesses you interact with. To avoid foodborne, viral or bacterial infections, make sure the places you go to and eat at are promising to keep you safe.
You can tell if a place is promising to keep everyone healthy if they have taken the pledge to Stay Safe to Stay Open. These are a few action items businesses pledge to do:
- Check symptoms before work and stay home when sick.
- Wash their hands frequently and avoid touching our face and eyes.
- Practice social distancing including wearing face coverings in close common areas.
- Learn about high-risk groups and help protect them.
- Cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.
- Clean high touch surfaces frequently.
- Follow public health guidance as updated.
For more information or to take the pledge, visit stayopenutah.com. In addition, businesses should be following Governor Herbert's latest health order. That includes requiring a face mask in public settings, limiting social interactions to those within your household, pausing extracurricular activities, and testing college students weekly.
Do you think you know a lot about the different pathogens and bacteria that can make you sick? Take this quiz below to find out just how much you really know. Be sure to enter your information for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
