Kroger limits disinfection and flu products to fears of coronaviruses

"Due to the high demand and to support all customers, we will limit the number of products related to disinfection, colds and flu to 5 per order," says the Cincinnati-based company on its website.

"Your order may be changed at the time of pickup or delivery."

The limitation seems to apply only to online sales.

Costco and Target's websites have also listed staples, including Clorox disinfectant wipes and all-purpose cleaner, as "out of stock," according to a USAToday report.

The grocery chain is both an employer and a major retailer in the region, with over 110 stores between the Dayton and Cincinnati regions and approximately 20,000 associates in the Dayton-Cincinnati division.

As reports continue to circulate about the disease caused by the new coronavirus, abbreviated COVID-19 by the Center for Disease Control, there are a few things to know:

1. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio

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Although there is great concern about the possible cases, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease in Ohio.

What has been confirmed is that 212 people who have arrived from Ohio from China are under public health surveillance, according to the Ohio Department of Health. These people were asked to self-quarantine for 14 days to monitor the symptoms of the disease and prevent the potential spread of the disease.

However, officials said that no one has been under investigation for the virus since Friday.

ODH also said it would start reporting on its website every day of the week at 2 p.m. of all known infections and people under investigation in the state as of March 2.

2. The general public should not go out and buy a mask

Local health care experts have stressed that the general public in the Dayton area should not go out and buy a mask.

"There is no reason at the moment – and I cannot overstate it – there is no reason at the moment for the general public to buy masks and walk around wearing masks when he visits public areas, "said Dr. Roberto Colon of the Miami Valley Hospital.

If too many healthy people who don't need masks buy masks, this could also lead to supply shortages.

The CDC also does not recommend healthy people to wear face masks.

On his website, he said, "You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A face mask should be used by people with COVID-19 who have symptoms. It is about protecting others from the risk of infection. "

The CDC says the masks are crucial for healthcare workers and those caring for someone infected with COVID-19 in close surroundings.

3. Hospitals in the region are monitoring potential COVID-19 cases

Colon also confirmed that hospitals in the area are asking patients about their travel history and symptoms to see if they might have the new coronavirus.

The doctor said if the doctors spoke to a patient who had the right combination of travel history and symptoms, the hospital's infection control service would then discuss whether the patient should be isolated.

"Our response to the United States right now is careful surveillance and that is really what we should be doing," he said.

4. How to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 prevention methods are generally methods that you would use to avoid spreading disease.

Recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health include staying home if you are sick, avoiding contact with sick people, getting enough sleep, washing your hands often and thoroughly , then dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer, cover your mouth with a handkerchief or sleeve while coughing or sneezing, cleaning the high-touch surfaces daily, calling before consulting the doctor and adopting good hygiene habits.

5. What to do if you think you have COVID-19

The CDC says that you should call your health care provider if you meet two conditions. First, you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Second, you have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 or you live or have recently traveled to an area where the spread of COVID-19 is continuous.

Next, your health care provider will work with your state's public health department and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested.