Covid-19 Information and Resources for Members

What is COVID-19/Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a new respiratory virus that has the potential to cause severe illness an pneumonia in some people.

How long someone is actively sick?
The answer is not a definitive time frame as it can vary. The decision on when to release someone from isolation is made using a test-based or non-test-based strategy (i.e. time since illness started and time since recovery) in consultation with state and local public health officials. The decision involves considering the specifics of each situation, including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and the results of laboratory testing for that patient.

How is it spread?

  • Through the air by coughing or sneezing

  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands

  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes

What are the symptoms?
Illness can be mild, or in some cases be severe enough to require hospitalization. Symptoms of this respiratory illness primarily include: Fever, cough and shortness of breath.

How is it prevented?

  • Wash hands often

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

  • Avoid contact with sick people

  • Stay home when you are sick and avoid others

  • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

When to seek medical evaluation and advice:

  • If you have symptoms like a cough, fever, or other respiratory problem, call your healthcare provider first. Isolate yourself and wear a mask before leaving the house. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

We have included links to valuable websites that are credible for the answers to any questions you may have pertaining to the Coronavirus. Please note that as information changes some of the resources listed may become out of date. At date of post this is the most current information available. Some links may have been taken down, we will do our best to remove any that are no longer active.

Emily Browning