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The Center for Disease Control dropped some big news on the American public earlier this week when reports started coming out that the organization expected the coronavirus to inevitably find its way to the United States.

Since the news broke, it has been a major talking point throughout the nation.

It seems like one of the worst things about the coronavirus is all of the unknowns that currently surround it with it still being so new.

I have faith that once it does hit the U.S., it will not take long for vaccine to be created that will help combat major spread of the virus.

Smarter people than me are already working on a plan as we speak.

Despite my trust in the current medical technology, I understand how many people are fearful of the disease because so much of it seems out of their hands.

However, there are preventative measures that can be taken that can help you have some control over getting the coronavirus.

At the end of the day, the coronavirus is just that, a virus which means that washing your hands can make a difference.

I was taught at an early age to wash my hands after certain activities, but especially every time I leave the restroom.

This makes so much sense to me, but I have seen people who open the stall door and walk right out of the restroom without even a glance at the sinks.

I can speak from experience that it does not take long to turn a faucet on, press the soap dispenser and reach for a towel. Probably two minutes tops if you are really thorough.

There’s very I can think in my life that takes two minutes to complete and is worthwhile. Definitely not worth the trade-off of possible weeklong symptoms after getting sick.

Even if you feel confident in your immune system to do its job, which I am, think of the others that may be infected because of your lack of care.

As a staff writer with The Clanton Advertiser, I meet a lot of people and shake a lot of hands covering events and finding stories, so the importance of washing hands and taking preventative measures is at the forefront of my mind and with the coronavirus knocking on America’s door, it should be among your routine thoughts as well.