CoronaVirus (COVID 19)

The following information is provided by the Washington Uniform Health Care - Smart Health Recommendations:

Unsure of the facts surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (also known as COVID-19)? You're not alone. It's important to understand what this is and how it might impact your life. Separate fact from fiction by learning about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

More information:

The coronavirus is a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Common signs of infection include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and respiratory failure. However, many people have no symptoms or only mild cold symptoms.

How is it spread?

COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with other one another (about 6 feet) via coughing or sneezing. It may also spread by touching a surface or object with the virus on it.

How do I protect myself from the virus?

Like many viruses there are basic steps you can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.Wash, wash, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help slow down the spread but may not kill all viruses/bacteria.
Avoid touching your mouth and nose with your hands. (This is surprisingly hard!)
Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow, not your hands.
Keep home and work surfaces you touch frequently disinfected.
If you feel like you are getting ill, stay home.

What are the treatments?

At this time there are no specific treatments for the coronavirus. Most people who get the virus will recover on their own and do not need to seek medical attention.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information about the virus?

Visit Department of Health’s (DOH) website: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

DOH has established a call center to address questions from the public. Please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #. Note: The DOH coronavirus hotline (1-800-525-0127, press #) is experiencing high traffic and may be temporarily unavailable.

Helpful links:

CDC: COVID-19 What You Should Know

WHO: COVID-19 Advice for the Public

*Note: Use of this link does not constitute an endorsement or approval of Limeade by the CDC or U.S. Government.

News on COVID-19

Governor Inslee's newsroom
Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)

Coronavirus.gov (The White House, CDC, Department of Health & Human Services)

Stay safe and healthy