In an effort to keep our residents updated please find the below information from the CDC.
CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by
a novel (new) coronavirus. The outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, but
cases have been identified in a growing number of other international
locations, including the United States.
How COVID-19 Spread
Current
understanding about how the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. COVID-19
is a new disease and there is more to learn about how it spreads, the severity
of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.
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.
Spread from contact with
infected 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.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most
symptomatic (the sickest).
Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there
have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not
thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily does the virus spread?
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.
The
virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the
community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community
spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including
some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Symptoms
Reported
illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and
death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
Symptoms
may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
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Prevention &
Treatment
Prevention
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.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to
protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
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.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water
if hands are visibly dirty.
Treatment
There
is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with
COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe
cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
People
who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their
healthcare provider immediately.
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if
you are sick
If
you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that
causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
People
who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their
illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting
medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public
transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and animals
in your home
People:
As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other
people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Animals:
You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with
COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been
reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still
recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until
more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member
of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick
with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being
kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around
animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with
pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If
you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that
you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office
take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Wear a facemask
You
should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room
or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you
are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble
breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with
you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover
your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues
in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at
least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean your hands often
Wash
your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after
blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before
eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces
of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Soap
and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your
eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid sharing personal household items
You
should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or
bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they
should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
High
touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures,
toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any
surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household
cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain
instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including
precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves
and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Monitor your symptoms
Seek
prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking
care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being
evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These
steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the
office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare
provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed
under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow
instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health
professionals, as appropriate.
If
you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch
personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put
on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
Discontinuing home isolation
Patients
with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until
the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision
to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case
basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health
departments.
For
Further information please see the attached blow link from the CDC.
