It is important to obtain accurate information and recognize the ways to prepare and prevent the COVID-19 outbreak in our community. Here is the helpful information from the Center of Disease Control.
What is COVID-19 and how does it spread?
- There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. It was first identified in Wuhan city in China in Feburary 2020. The first infection was be linked to a live animal market, but now it is spreading from person-to-person by close contact (within about 6 feet) and respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 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.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Who is at high risk?
- Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions — like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example — seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. Though Pregnant women, children, and individual in homeless shelter are not recognized as at high risk, they are at increased risk of severe illness from other infectious diseases in general.
What we can do to prepare and prevent the outbreak?
- Clean hands at the door and wash your hands regularly
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching face and cover coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and handrails regularly
- Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
- Avoid large gatherings
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Limit food sharing
- Wear a face mask if you are caring for someone who is sick
What to do if someone gets sick with COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19?
- Stay in own room if possible, and keep the door closed
- Stay home unless further medical attention is required
- Call your healthcare provider ahead and inform that you may have COVID-19
- Wear a facemask
- Avoid close contact with people and animals
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen such as difficulty breathing
In Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe counties, MHR board and contracted agencies are following the guidelines from Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Center of Diseased Control and Prevention (CDC) as health care professionals. Here are some resources that are helpful to know more about COVID-19.
Resources on COVID-19 Information
Ohio Department of Health:
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/
1-833-427-5634 (Non-behavioral health specific COVID-19 Questions)
Center of Disease Control and Prevention: