COVID-19 Information
As you are aware, concerns about Coronavirus, otherwise known as the “COVID-19,” are increasing throughout the United States. We understand how concerning this is to you and your family. We remain vigilant when it comes to the health and safety of our residents.
While the media has been quick to provide real-time updates on the spread of the virus, we highly recommend that you consult trusted and respected health sources when researching the novel coronavirus. These include the CDC at www.cdc.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) at www.who.int.
Below is a brief summary of information and best practices published by the CDC to help you protect yourself from this health concern.
What is the Novel Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses, some that cause illness in people and others that cause illness in animals. Coronaviruses include the seasonal flu and common cold. Novel (new) coronaviruses are new strains of the virus that have not been previously identified in humans.
Symptoms
Reported symptoms can include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and may appear in as few as two to fourteen days following exposure. If you develop a cold or flu-like symptoms, especially after travelling, it is recommended to call your local healthcare provider for personalized expert advice.
How It Spreads
According to the CDC, transmission of the virus is primarily spread between people who are in close contact with one another. It is also believed that a person can be exposed to the new coronavirus by touching a compromised surface or object. However, due to the delicate nature of the virus, the CDC has stated that exposure from products or packaging that are shipped or mailed over a period of days or weeks as “very low risk.”
Prevention & Treatment
The WHO and the CDC have recommended the following steps to help reduce the risk of exposure and to help prevent spreading the virus:
- Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer and wash for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow, and frequently dispose of used tissues
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
- Stay home if you feel like you have cold or flu-like symptoms
http://www.cdc.gov/nonpharmaceutical-interventions/tools-resources/educational-materials.html
The CDC has also created educational posters, videos, factsheets, and intervention trainings to help you contribute to prevention efforts. These free materials are available in multiple languages for you to distribute, post and circulate as you deem appropriate.
