DETROIT – Tide Loads of Hope Powered by Tide Cleaners will provide free laundry services to frontline workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Related: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand today

Beginning Tuesday, medical personnel, police officers, firefighters and their immediate families can take their personal laundry to any Tide Cleaners location in the Detroit area to be washed for free.

Storefronts can wash items like jeans, shorts, t-shirts, socks and undergarments, officials said.

Eligible individuals must provide a valid form of identification or badge to receive the free services, officials said. A family member can bring the laundry on behalf of a frontline worker, but must provide a photo of the worker’s identification or badge.

Frontline workers in the Detroit area are encouraged to visit this website to learn more about services offered and to find a nearby Tide Cleaners location.

Tide Loads of Hope listed the following stipulations for the free program:

• Eligible frontline workers include paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff, medical researchers, police officers and firefighters. Immediate family include next of kin or individuals that share the same household address.
• Free laundry services are available for up to four bags per household per week until May 9.
• When Tide Cleaners reaches capacity for the day, they will let guests know that they are unable to accept any further loads that day and guests can return the following day to have their laundry done.
• COVID-19 exposed clothing, clothing worn while treating patients, leathers, comforters and wedding dresses are not eligible.
• Free laundry services exclude Tide Cleaners locker locations.

“We are proud to launch Tide Loads of Hope Powered by Tide Cleaners in the Detroit communities,” said Jenny Maxwell, Associate Director for Tide. “The front-line responders of Detroit are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Our hope is to make everyday chores like laundry as seamless as possible and lighten the load for those at the front lines during this time.”

Click here to read our latest COVID-19 updates.

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention and Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about coronavirus here.