The elderly are being encouraged to limit visits to their homes--even from children and grandchildren

Grandparents should use Skype, Facetime, Zoom or other on-line conferencing calls to stay in touch with their grandkids and children.  That's the advice being passed along by Winneshiek County Public Health during the COIVD-19 outbreak.

"We would strongly encourage all hi-risk groups, including elderly 61 years of age and older, (to) limit persons coming into your homes--including visits from your children and grandchildren," says the agency's news release.

The county Health Department is urging people "don't be put at risk."  It also suggests asking family members, neighbors, and friends to help to pick up groceries and other supplies.

The same advice applies to all elderly as it does for everyone else: wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm; and stay home when ill.