Background

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concernexternal icon” (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19. On March 11, 2020 WHO publiclyexternal icon characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

Symptoms

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

What should I do if i get sick?

• Stay home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 HOURS unless you experience significant symptoms, then contact your medical provider before you seek care.
• Limit your contact with others in your household if at all possible. If possible, limit the number of people who provide you care within the home so you don't expose them.
• Mose cases of coronavirus will be mild and you will recover without medical care. If you have persistent fever, high fever have underling medical conditions contact your medical care provider. If you have symptoms of coronavirus contact your medical provider before seeking care. If you don't notify them before arriving at the clinic or hospital immediately grab a mask and let the intake staff know your concern so that you don't potentially expose others while waiting to be seen.

How do I get tested for coronavirus?

If a person has respiratory issues, TCPH advice is to contact a physician or an urgent care or other medical facility and get tested for the flu or other viral illnesses first. If your doctor or medical professional determines that, based on your symptoms and travel history that a COVID-19 test is needed, specimens will be taken and sent to a lab for testing.

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautionsou take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover our cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Important information for companies

Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities after Persons are Suspected/ Confirmed to Have COVID-19

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The Governor’s Report To Open Texas- Health protocols to open Texas businesses

Resources

CITY OF LAREDO

The City of Laredo has opened a COVID-19 Hotline for residents to ask questions about the virus. The hotline is available in English and Spanish, 24/7 - (956) 795-4954.

www.cityoflaredo.com/corononavirus.html
www.facebook.com/cityoflaredohealthdepartment
www.twitter.com/laredohealth
www.instagram.com/laredohealth
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
FDA Consumer Update regarding safe use of hand sanitizers