Coronavirus Updates
Coronavirus Updates and Information
National Updates
National Updates
- FAQ on telehealth and HIPAA from the US Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/telehealth-faqs-508.pdf
- Here is a list of COVID-19 resources for all 50 states: https://www.policymed.com/2020/03/u-s-state-health-department-covid-19-resources-for-patients-and-healthcare-providers.html
- The CDC has added six new warning signs of COVID-19. The new symptoms are: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
- COVID-19 may be causing sudden strokes in adults under 50. Doctors recommend calling for an ambulance if you experience stroke symptoms as the condition could be related.
- Source:https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/22/health/strokes-coronavirus-young-adults/index.html
- According to the CDC, face coverings or masks should not be used on young children under 2 years old or anyone who has trouble breathing.
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
- Recent guidelines from the White House on reopening the country include 3 phases, starting with a 14-day period of reduced flu-like illnesses, COVID-19 cases, and hospital overcrowding.
- Source:https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/covid-19/
- Medical experts suggest that patients in need of prescription medication stock up with at least a 30-day supply on hand during shelter-in-place, or in case of self-isolation.
- Source:https://www.healthline.com/health-news/coronavirus-med-shortage-what-to-know#Stock-up-on-30-day-supply-of-prescription-meds
Frequently Asked Questions
How to protect yourself
- Social distancing
- The virus spreads person-to-person. The CDC estimates that 6 feet is a safe distance from someone who may be infected.
- Wash your hands
- This is still commonly considered as some of the easiest armor against the virus. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Hand sanitizer made of at least 60% alcohol is an acceptable alternative to soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces
- Diluted household bleach solutions and solutions with 70% alcohol are ideal for disinfecting surfaces.
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-your-home.html
- Responding to public health crises can have a detrimental effect on mental health
- The CDC recommends limiting consumption of media coverage about the disease and focusing on self-care activities at home.
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
How to protect others
- Stay home if you are sick
- Unless medical care is needed, the safest way to protect others is to stay home.
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow, to prevent any particles transferring to another person through touch.
- Wash your hands
- Use warm, soapy water, and wash for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear cloth face coverings in public settings
- Especially in places like grocery stores and other communal areas where it is hard to maintain social distancing.
- Recent studies have shown that coronavirus patients can be asymptomatic (lack any symptoms of the disease), so face coverings are important.
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
- Use non contact methods of greeting, rather than handshaking to prevent spread of virus
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf
Tips for your home
- Increase the ventilation in your home or place of work by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
- Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and handrails regularly
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may not appear for up to two weeks. If you feel you may have been exposed, please exercise caution when considering leaving home.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Who is most at risk?
- Older Adults
- People with underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease)
Who should be tested?
- Most people will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and may not need to be tested.
- CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
- You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
- Source:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
Where can I find more information?
We have many helpful articles below that have been tracking the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also find more information about how to stay safe in this unprecedented time at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html