Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As the Coronavirus continues to spread, this assessment based on CDC guidelines is designed to help you decide when to isolate at home, when to seek testing or urgent medical attention. It is up to you to protect yourself and your loved ones. At the end of the assessment, based on your response, you may either request a Doctor’s Note which provides justification to stay at home, or a Medical Clearance which provides release to return to work.

Know how Coronavirus (Covid-19) spread:

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 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, asymptomatic.

Take Care: Wash your Hands:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, 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.

• Put distance between yourself and other people (6ft is the recommended guidelines).

  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick (the elderly, those with underlying conditions such as heart disease or diabetes).

Preventing the spread

• It is recommended to cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.

• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when out in public, for example, to the grocery store or shopping for essentials.

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

  Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, 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 (such as N95) 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 if a tissue is unavailable.

• 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, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common will work (i.e. bleach or Lysol).

(CDC.gov)

Home remedies for prevention are not proven effective but drinking warm tea can be used for comfort if not contra-indicative.

 If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face