SENATE RESOLUTION

8702

BySenator Cleveland

WHEREAS, The perennial concern over seasonal influenza has been heightened this year by the outbreak of coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning that the United States must be prepared for the possible spread of coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, Flus and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands; and

WHEREAS, In keeping with our commitment to putting people first, it is critical that we all do our part as leaders to model best practices for infection control; and

WHEREAS, Model practices include vigilant hand hygiene, proper cough and sneeze etiquette, annual vaccinations, receiving flu antiviral drugs, and regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill; and

WHEREAS, Healthy practices further include getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food; and

WHEREAS, Even the best preventive measures cannot completely eliminate the spread or threat of flus; and

WHEREAS, Those who are not sick are advised to avoid close contact with people who are sick and to wash their hands frequently; and

WHEREAS, Those who are sick are advised to keep their distance from others to protect them from getting sick too and, where possible, to stay home from work or school and avoid other public venues;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate endorse and encourage the promotion, sharing, and posting of practices to prevent or reduce the spread of flu and limit the spread of other contagious diseases in Washington state.