Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19

On 01-31-2020, the U.S. Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to Coronavirus COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) made further declarations, and on 03-11-2020, the WHO labeled this Coronavirus outbreak a Global Pandemic. Today, the overall  threat to the general public in the U.S. remains low. Nevertheless, the  U.S. Government is handling and mitigating this emerging threat to  public health with an abundance of caution. This is a rapidly evolving situation, for the latest information frequently visit the CDC websites provided below. 

SIMPLE PREVENTION METHODS: Avoid people that are coughing and avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes while away from your home. Avoid unnecessary crowds, large group interactions, and foreign travel,  (especially if you are 60 or older or have a weakened immune system).  Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places: elevator buttons,  door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or  your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch a high-touch  surface in public.  Wash hands frequently and, keep your home environment clean.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTION:For disinfection, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Diluted household bleach solutions are effective, and prepared by mixing:

• Quart: 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
• Gallon: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water

LEARN MORE FROM THESE IMPORTANT INFORMATION SOURCES:The CDC (one page) fact-sheet of what the public needs to know about COVID-19 is here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf 

Check for outbreak updates here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html 

Cleaning and Disinfection:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf 

 All businesses and private citizens should have appropriate information on what individuals can do to protect themselves, plan ahead and stay informed.

AWARENESS FAQs:

1. How dangerous is the Coronavirus?

• Risk of serious illness in the majority of people remains low.
• Young children tend to have milder symptoms.
• Currently the fatality rate is estimated to be 3-4%, (young adults less) and (immune deficient and people over age 60 higher), among people that are infected.
• The number of people with the illness doubles every 7 days, and therefore efforts are important to stop the spread.
• WHO increased the Coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic to the "very high" threat level, on February 28, 2020. 

2. Am I infected?

• Suspicion is appropriate when an individual has symptoms of fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, especially if they recently traveled to geographic areas (China, Italy, Iran, Japan, and South Korea) within 14 days of symptom onset.  Symptoms appear 3-13 days after being infected (average 5 days). 
• Infected people may have no symptoms, but the Coronavirus commonly causes symptoms of low-grade fever, body  aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat. 
• To confirm your status, you may get tested by your physician, especially if you have traveled or been in contact with a known person infected with Coronavirus recently. They will collect specimens from both the upper respiratory tract (upper nose, mouth and throat samples) , using a swab. The CDC developed an rRT-PCR test to diagnose COVID-19. 
• Specific symptom manifestations (China CDC reported 81% mild, 14% severe, 5% critical). Consider the following illness categories:

Uncomplicated (mild) Illness: Patients have symptoms of an upper respiratory tract viral infection, including mild fever, cough (dry), sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache, muscle pain, or malaise. 

Young Children:  Generally experience milder symptoms of fever, runny nose, and cough. Moderate Pneumonia: Respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath are present (related to inflammation and congestion in the lungs).

Severe Pneumonia: Fever is associated severe shortness of breath and respiratory distress, and low blood Oxygen (SpO2 < 90% on room air). 

Critical Illness:  For example, patients require a respirator (due to swelling/edema, fluids, infiltrates, or ARDS related respiratory failure), septic shock, damage to multiple organs, or exacerbation of other coexisting diseases.

SOURCE:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554776/

3. How does Coronavirus spread?

• Aerosol - Coronavirus is spread mainly through person to person close contact with one  another, or droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, landing in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or  possibly be inhaled into their lungs.
• Fomite - Coronavirus can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth,  nose, or possibly their eyes.

4. How should I prepare for the Coronavirus?Face mask - Generally not needed, but follow your local public health recommendations for personal protective equipment usage.  An N95 face mask only works when you fit it on your face properly and exercise additional precautions. Experts recommend wearing a mask if you have respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing, (to protect others), or if you are caring for someone with the Coronavirus, including home and health facilities. Watch the 3M fitting video and CDC YouTube videos above below for further details.

Hygiene - All people need to implement good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. These good practices include:1. Stay home if you are sick, and advise others to do the same. 2. Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. 3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 5. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol if soap and warm water are not available. 6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

Travel - Review travel advisories from the federal government when planning personal and business travel. Review for destinations with risk of community spread of COVID-19 here: https://www.cdc.gov/travel.

5. Is this outbreak seasonal? Sunlight (UVR) kills the Coronavirus, however, no sources have provided predictions as to whether the spread will decrease during the summer months (e.g. it is hot in Iran and yet, they are experiencing a severe epidemic). 

Community  spread of COVID-19 could impact routines and daily operations for many  businesses. Employers and employees should implement the CDC Guidance to  prevent the spread of the disease and impacts as follows: 

1. Prevent the Spread, follow this CDC guidance here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

Consider creating a safety and response plan.

2. Identify work-related exposure and health risks to employees. Employees must try to be compliant and helpful.

3.  Stay aware of cleanliness and staffing practices, to insure that they  are consistent with public health recommendations. This may include  flexible worksites or hours to increase physical distance between  employees. 

4.  Employers should identify essential business functions, and  alternatives that will enable them to maintain operations during  interruptions to supply chains or if increased absenteeism occurs. 

5.  Always share accurate information about the Coronavirus and how it  spreads. It is important to remember that stigma and discrimination  occur when people associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19,  with a population or nationality. 

6. According to the CDC, it’s not too late to get your flu shot!

SOURCE: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly 

NOTE:  While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19  infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season and AVOID A SUPERINFECTION (second infection superimposed on an earlier one).

Numerous capabilities are being brought to bear at both the Federal and State level. Featured national actions include the CDC establishing a COVID-19 Incident Management System on January 7, 2020. The CDC also activated its Emergency Operations Center, issued its Health Alert Network, and is informing infection control and guidance to better provide ongoing support to the overall COVID-19 response. Numerous travel restrictions and monitoring are in effect for at least the next 30 days. Among other actions, in every State the following has occurred or will occur:
1. The State Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) activated the Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC) to support state and local response.
2. The Governor activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to coordinate state government resources.
3. The Governor announced the creation of at least four core task forces to combat the spread of Coronavirus and assess the impact it may have on day-to-day lives.
4. The national stockpile capabilities are ready for deployment.
5. Pharmaceutical companies and researchers nationwide are evaluating the virus, cases, and vaccinations among other treatments and therapy methods.
6. Manufacturers have agreed to increase production of N95 masks, cleaning and disinfectants, and relevant PPE.

The Government’s Framework to mitigate COVID-19 is here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf


Information on the tracking of cases per State is available here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
(Scroll halfway down the page, and expand the “States” section + bar) 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html