INDIANAPOLIS–Gaining control of the COVID-19 pandemic and stopping the spread of the virus is highly dependent upon the cooperation of the general public, according to an expert on the study of population health.

“This all depends on whether people heed the warnings that they’ve been given,” Libby Richards, Associate Professor of Health Promotion at Purdue University said “I do think a lot of this can remain in our control, but it will require some tremendous change from us all.”

She says now is not the time for large social gatherings or unnecessary travel.

“Practice social distancing, keep your hands clean, stop touching your face, and follow the recommendations of the CDC and the instructions of elected officials.”

Prof. Richards advised that we are likely to see a sharp increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. as testing kits become more readily available.

“The fact of the matter is that people in our communities have Coronavirus; we just haven’t tested them,” she said.

“Keep in mind, however, that if you are in a low-risk group, you don’t need to be tested to know that you have Coronavirus and – again, only if you are in a low-risk group – it’s okay if you have a fever and a cough,” advised Richards. “Stay at home, keep yourself away from other people, rest, and recover.”

According to Prof. Richards, self-quarantine and social distancing are crucial in order to avert an overburdened healthcare system.

“The only way we’re going to be able to slow the spread is if we limit our distance with others and practice good hand hygiene,” Richards advised.