Coronavirus Updates and Information

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/openingamerica/

• 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.livescience.com/cdc-recommends-face-masks-coronavirus.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