With the July 4 holiday approaching, the UNMC community is reminded to take precautions to prevent both COVID-19 transmission and firework-related injuries.
Infectious disease experts strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and applaud the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent decision to authorize COVID-19 vaccines for children between 6 months and 5 years of age. Local health department across Nebraska will distribute vaccine throughout their areas.
"We know vaccines are effective in helping to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death," said Jane Meza, PhD, interim executive director for health security for UNMC. "We also know transmission continues across our state and country, and COVID-19 cases likely are higher than reported.
"So, as we wish everyone a safe Independence Day weekend, we urge continued precautions with COVID-19, as well as diligence in preventing firework-related injuries."
To prevent COVID-19, people are reminded to:
- Get vaccinated and boosted to increase your protection from COVID-19.
- Access free saliva testing on the Omaha campus (Williams Science Hall) for asymptomatic faculty, staff and students. View details including testing info for UNMC campuses outside of Omaha
- Self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms daily using the 1-Check UNMC app. The general public is invited to use the 1-Check COVID app to self-screen.
- Remain vigilant, especially in crowded indoor settings.
- Wear a mask, even if those around you have chosen not to do so.
- Stay home if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 or flu and call Employee Health at 402-552-3563 or the Student Health clinic serving your campus.
To prevent firework-related injuries:
- Always have an adult supervise firework activities. Young children can suffer injuries from sparklers, which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never light fireworks indoors or point/throw them at another person.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing. Fireworks can exceed 150 dB, compared with lawn mowers (80-100 dB) and ambulance sirens (110-129 dB).
- Wear safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying sparks or debris.
- Recognize that fireworks can trigger PTSD, raise anxiety and bring back traumatic memories for individuals. Pets also can be sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells.