Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is COVID-19?admin2020-04-30T04:12:53-06:00
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is the specific coronavirus responsible for the current global pandemic that originated in Wuhan, China.
‘CO’ stands for ‘corona, ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease, 19 for ‘2019.’
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?admin2020-04-18T21:19:13-06:00
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
- Weakness and falling
How does COVID-19 spread?admin2020-04-30T04:20:46-06:00
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
- There is no vaccine available at this time.
How can I decrease my risk of getting & spreading COVID-19?admin2020-04-30T04:18:50-06:00
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Have food and other goods delivered and avoid unnecessary and frequent trips to the store.
- Ensure 6 feet of social distancing.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks & phones.