March 25, 2020 Issue, Page 5 of 10

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Agriculture (i Wednesday, larch 25, 2020 The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Page 5 Coronavirus concerns high in rural areas identified by Centers for transit and venues such as Disease Control and Preven- retail shopping malls and tion and other U.S. govern- business office districts. ment agencies had already However, life in the coun- crested 3,000. At the same try does not eliminate the time, Gov. Kevin Stitt de- need to gathering at church, clared a state of emergency schools and sports events. and called for Oklahoma agencies to establish work- Business dealings may shift from-home policies for em- in scale or type — managing ployees. a cattle auction instead of a furniture store, for example The agricultural business — but social contact can only community has been recep- be delayed, not eliminated tive to guidance issued by entirely. federal and state health de- Monteith said some of partments. The Oklahoma those needs can be shifted Wheat Commission, for ex- online to Facetime and other ample, is expecting many of its field days will be can- social media platforms. Rural population density may delay the spread of COVID-19 but not eliminate the threat, officials say. celed, Executive Director “Keep up with the CDC Photo provided by OSU. Mike Schulte said. And at guidance and continue to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s avoid groups,” Monteith By Brian Brus occur regardless. won't come into contact. It The spread of infection Association, spokeswoman said. “But as you do that, STILLWATER, Okla. — “With this virus, research just might not show up right caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Chancey Hanson said ani- it’s also very important to Health officials are warning has shown that you might away. coronavirus, which was mal health companies have check up on your neighbors. rural communities to be just still be an asymptomatic car- “We know that commu- found in China at the end of been canceling planned vis- If you’re not in a high-risk as cautious as more densely rier and not show any signs nity spread is here already, 2019, is forecast to pick up its with producers. category yourself, give your populated areas in their re- of sickness,” said Megan and no one is immune from momentum across the Unit- “The farmers that I’ve elderly neighbors a call and sponse to the spread of CO- Monteith, Oklahoma State it,” said Jamie Dukes, public ed States. Cases in Okla- talked with definitely don’t ask them if you can help de- VID-19. University Extension area information manager at the homa were first identified feel invincible, and they’re A lower rate of person-to- specialist in health dispari- state Department of Health.in the Oklahoma City and heeding the social warn- liver something. person transmission of the ties. “It’s going to affect “It’s important that everyone Tulsa metro areas, as well ings,” Schulte said. “We're all in this together. novel coronavirus might re- most of us at some point. in the state follow social-dis- as Payne County. By mid- People who live in remote Take care of yourself and sult in a delay of infection, ... Living in a remote area tancing guidance regardless March the number of cases mural areas have reduced take care of your commu- but it’s still highly likely to doesn’t guarantee that you of their location.” nationwide that had been exposure to crowded mass nity,” she said. Shopping for food safely d uring coronavirus pandemic By Trisha Gedon is an effective way to reduce STILLWATER, Okla. - the number of microorgan- Stocking up on essential gro- isms,” she said. “Washing ceries and other supplies as fruits and vegetables not the COVID-19 virus threat only helps remove dirt, bac- spreads across the county teria and stubborn garden will require consumers to pests, but also helps remove rely on their storm season residual pesticides.” preparedness skills, but for a Brown suggests waiting longer period of time. to wash produce until it is Undoubtably, many Okla- ready to be used. Washing homans have made the trek produce before use may pro- to the grocery store to get mote bacterial growth and supplies, which is a good speed up spoilage, so it is idea, said Barbara Brown, recommended to wait and Oklahoma State University wash fruits and vegetables Extension food specialist. right before using. “While most folks are For those who may want stocked up for a several to go ahead and wash the days, or even a couple of produce before — storing, weeks, they will eventually Brown said to be sure and have to go back to the store dry thoroughly with clean for more supplies,” Brown paper towels. said. “Be sure to keep safety Try to maintain social dis- precautions in mind before tancing as much as possible. venturing out of the house.” Move away from people Brown advises people to who are coughing, espe- wash their hands thoroughly cially those who fall into a Use safety precautions when venturing out to the grocery store for needed supplies and when unpack- with soap and water before higher risk category. Wear- ing groceries at home. Photo by Todd Johnson, Agricultural Communications Services. leaving the house, Obvi- ing gloves while shopping is ously, people will come into an extra layer of protection, ies when putting them away. especially for those consum- and water or a spray bleach tive action. Oklahoma State contact with a lot of dif- too. “This really is a matter ers who are at higher risk of solution. University is committed to a ferent surfaces while they Once the groceries are of preference, and an extra becoming infected. Brown “This whole scenario is policy of equal opportunity shop, including shopping bagged and people are ready carts, credit card keypads to leave the store, take ad- measure of caution certainly said the same safety precau- new to us and information is for all individuals and does and products others have vantage of hand sanitizers won't hurt anything,” she tions apply in that consum- changing every day,” Brown not discriminate based on touched. Shoppers may ask or disinfecting wipes at the said. “But if items are go- ers should wash their hands said. “Don’t be afraid to go race, religion, age, sex, col- themselves if the fresh pro- door if they are available. ing to be stored for a week thoroughly after accepting to the store, but be sure to or, national origin, marital duce and other food items And, try not to touch your or more before being used, the home delivery. take all of these precautions status, sexual orientation, are safe. face. Once back at home, there isn’t a need to wipe Being vigilant about to help ensure your health gender identity/expression, “No washing method consumers should give their them down before storing.” cleaning does not apply and safety.” disability, or veteran status completely removes or kills hands another _ thorough Another option for con- just to groceries. Be sure to Oklahoma State Univer- with regard to employment, all microbes which may be washing. sumers in some areas is regularly wipe down coun- sity, as an equal opportu- educational programs and present on produce. How- Brown said at this point home delivery. There are ter tops, faucets, doorknobs, nity employer, complies with activities, and/or admis- ever, studies have shown there is no scientific evi- several companies that of- cabinet pulls, refrigerator all applicable federal and sions. For more informa- that thoroughly rinsing fresh dence consumers need to fer this service, and it could handles and toilet handles state laws regarding non- tion, visit hitps://leeo.ok- produce under running water wipe down all of the grocer- be a very handy alternative, with sanitizing wipes, soap discrimination and affirma- state.edu.