A lot of information is making the rounds about coronavirus.

Some of that information is good and some of it is inaccurate.

As this health issue continues to escalate, don’t get carried away by false or inaccurate information.

Instead turn to credible sources such as established news media and government agencies such as the CDC or the Mississippi Department of Health for information.

Yes, the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus appears to be very contagious and has the potential to infect a lot of people in the United States as it has done in other countries since it was discovered Dec. 31, 2019, in China.

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell recently formed a task force of medical and emergency officials to work on a strategy to help minimize the potential risks should the virus come to the Miss-Lou.

The task force is working closely with the Mississippi Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay on top of the latest information on how best to protect citizens and the community from the virus.

Look to the city for information on the virus and ways you and the community can protect yourselves from the virus.

In addition to information from the city you can find plenty of up-to-date information about the coronavirus on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov or at the Mississippi Health Department’s website at msdh.ms.gov. You also can trust reports from credible media outlets both national and local such as The Natchez Democrat.

In the meantime, take steps to get a plan in place to minimize the chances you will be exposed to virus. You can find that information in today’s story or at the websites listed above.

Prepare of the worst and hope for the best.

Stay informed and stay well.