What is COVID-19?
“Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.” (WHO)
How does it spread?
The virus is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when a person who is infected coughs or sneezes within a distance of 6 feet.
How bad should I worry?
For most people who become infected with COVID-19, the symptoms are pretty mild. Howevever, 1 in 5 people will need hosptial care.
Anyone who is older or has pre-existing medical conditions are more at risk to develop a severe illness. It is up to us to limit our exposure to the virus and to others to keep not only ourselves safe, but those you are older and immune-compromised.
Is it safe to receive packages?
“Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.” (WHO)
How can I protect myself?
- Regularly wash your hands
- With a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol or wash your hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wash your hands before you eat, wash after you cough or sneeze, wash after you touch a delivered package or groceries, and after you put in your laundry.
- Infection comes from contact with a person who is infected, or it could come a material or object an infected person touched.
- For more information, view CDC: What You Need to Know About Handwashing
- Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are infected
- Put a distance of at least 6 feet between you and other person, as you don’t always know who could be infected
What are the symptoms?
It can take up to 14 days for you to show symptoms, which is why it is especially important to do social distancing during this time.
The symptoms are as follows:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you have the following symptoms, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY:
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion
- Bluish lips or face
- Persistant pain or pressure in your chest
How do I protect others?
- Stay home if you are sick, except if you are in need of medical care
- Cover any coughs and sneezes, wash your hands directly after
- Wear a facemask if you are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes doorknobs, fridge handles, faucets, sinks, phones, keyboards, toilets, countertops, switches, etc.
- Read more about how to disinfect here: CDC on How to Properly Clean & Disinfect
What do I do if I am sick?
- Stay at home, do not leave except to receive medical care
- Stay in touch with your doctor, call ahead before visiting
- Avoid contact with others, especially public transportation if you need to leave
- Stay away from others in your home. Create a quarantine room so you limit the chance of spreading it through your family.
- Wear a facemask, anyone who cares for you should also wear a facemask
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with warm soap and water or with a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your face
- Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, bedding, etc. Have a certain amount alloted to you and only you during this time
- Clean the surfaces and objects you touch daily
- Monitor your symptoms and keep your doctor updated
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