Several countries across the world are experiencing outbreaks of respiratory illness (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS CoV-2). The virus is spreading from person-to-person and the number of cases detected in the United States and many other countries is growing.
The risk of exposure is increasing for people who live in Washington state.
At the time this training module was created, Washington was approaching 400 cases and 30 deaths.
We have no reason to panic, but every reason to take this very seriously.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause respiratory illnesses such as the common cold.
Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus (responsible for COVID-19) that was not identified in humans before December 2019.
What are common symptoms of COVID-19 illness?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever,cough, and shortness of breath.
It takes 2 to 14 days after a person gets the virus in their body to become ill. The average time for an individual to become symptomatic is approximately 5 days, but it can take longer.
Novel coronavirus is new, and we are learning more each day about symptoms it causes and how long it takes for people to become sick.
How does the virus spread?
Most often, it is spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu and other respiratory pathogens spread.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It’s currently unclear if 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.
It is believed that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for several days (door knobs, windows, desks, counters, etc.) Similar viruses can survive on some surfaces up to nine days.
Often, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest) but it appears that COVID-19 can be spread by individuals who are not exhibiting typical symptoms.
This is why good hygiene and sanitation practices are critically important to protect ourselves and our community.
How can I prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Prevention starts with practicing good personal health habits:
stay home when you’re sick (running a fever, persistent cough, etc.);
cover your coughsand sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve;
immediately disposing used tissue paper in the garbage;
wash your handsoften with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or 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.
don’t touchyour eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
practice social distancing when possible (staying 6-feet apart);
avoid large gatherings of people;
avoid close contact with people who are sick;
open your windows to promote good ventilation of spaces;
frequently clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
