posted on 12/27/2022

Fire Chief Michael McShane, who serves as the city’s Emergency Management Director, reminds the public that respiratory illnesses are rising, including influenza (flu), common colds, and Covid-19. With the winter holidays, there are more public gatherings, providing more opportunities for these illnesses to spread with ease.

McShane urges the public to use common sense and remember that respiratory illnesses, such as colds, flu and Covid-19, spread the same way.

“Wash your hands,” McShane said. “Cover your mouth when you cough. Stay home if you feel sick, and wear a mask if you must interact with others.”

McShane said those who have had fevers should not return to a public setting until they’ve been without a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.

“The more diligent we are in taking care of ourselves, the better we will come out of this flu season without taxing our health care system,” McShane said.