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Coronavirus Disease Information

What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first detected during an investigation into an outbreak in China.

 What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:


  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath 

The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported results of contracting the virus have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. 

 CDC 6 steps to prevent COVID-19

How can the Coronavirus spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these people be isolated in the hospital or at home depending on how sick they are until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold:

  • Through the air by coughing or sneezing;
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it;
  • Occasionally, fecal contamination.

 

What can you do to protect yourself?

CDC 10 things to manage COVID-19 at home

  • If a family or friend has a fever or upper respiratory infection, they should stay home and avoid contact with others. You should avoid direct contact with these people.
  • If a friend or family member is ill with a fever or cough, they should be referred to a physician for further evaluation and you should avoid contact. And always remember to:
  • Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes, and other frequently touched items.
  • Recommend limited physical contact between family/friends/residents (i.e. handshakes). The practice of Social Physical “distancing” should be adhered to (keeping 6’ is apart recommended).

 

This is an emerging issue and residents are encouraged to check the CDC website frequently.