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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/05/20 - Situational Awareness ReportThis message is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY and serves as an informational, planning, and situational awareness update intended only for government and authorized emergency response officials. Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management • Ron Parrish, MPA, CFO, EFO, Director vvww.stlucieco.gov/ecic 772-462-8100 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Emergency Management Situational Awareness Report Date/Time: On Call Officer: EOC Activation Level: Thursday, March 5, 2020, 1430 hrs. Billy Weinshank Level 3 - Normal Operations Rainfall in St. Lucie County — MTD: Rainfall in St. Lucie County — YTD: Departure from Normal: 0.01" 3.16" -2.59" Situation Summary: COVID-19 Update - On March 2, 2020, the State of Florida published Executive Order 20-51 and a Declaration of Public Health Emergency in response to the impact of the Corona Virus outbreak in the United States and worldwide, as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation to proactively take preventive measures in communities. On February 28, 2020 the World Health Organization officials upgraded its global risk assessment of the novel coronavirus' potential for spread and impact from "high" to "very high." According to the Florida Department of Health's website there are two (2) presumptive positive cases of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida. Both individuals remain in isolation at this time. Overall immediate threat to the public is low. The CDC announced that there are total 99 cases, 10 deaths, and 13 states reporting cases. Weather Summary: Today is mostly sunny, with a high near 91 and windy, with a south-southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight there is A 20% chance of showers after lam and mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. This weekend, temperatures will fall in the mid to low 40s. 43-Hour Period Starting: 2pm Thu, Mar 5 2020 ■ Submit Back 2 Days Forward 2 Days Fri, Mer 6272D Set, Merl gg' nD 9g° py bg° gg° 70 73° 72„ '•D'' 7o 7g° eu° evo T u1" 5g° 47' 47' 47° gp° 4g° 42' 49' i 3° 1. 39 T J Jam 4— lam 10— J 4pm T 1 Yam 4— lam ]gem Ipm For more information go to: http://www.weather.gov/mIb Protective Measures: COVID-19 Prevention and Protection Guidelines for Employees • Protect yourself and your community from the Corona Virus of 2019 (COVID-19). Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol -based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are sick. • A video on COVID-19 is found at: httos://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIL5m5XznNY • Stay informed from local and national news, media, and email updates from state and federal partners.: o httos://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html o www.floridahealth.gov/ o 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) • County departments and divisions, as well as agency partners of the EOC should review their Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan for updated essential functions, essential employees, alternate work capabilities (e.g., telework; alternate schedules), and access to vital records. • See attachment for detailed information. The EOC continues to monitor news, traffic, and local weather for potential hazards. Distribution: County Admin; Commissioners; EM Team; Public Safety; E911 Mgrs+Spvrs, SLC Directors; Attorneys; Directors Executive Assistants; Division Managers; SLC Executive Assistants. Updated on 20190912. Previous obsolete. ,77 Clinician Screening Tool for Identifying Persons Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) I"It��,rlt.��i HEALTH Version 2 1 February 28, 2020 Only consider persons with travel to an affected geographic area' or close contact1with a laboratory-confirmed3.4 COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset or persons with severe respiratory illness' without an alternative diagnosis. • Ask the patient to wear surgical mask. • Evaluate the patient in a private room with the door closed, ideally an airborne isolation room, if available. • Initiate contact and airborne precautions, including use of eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield) for all health care professionals and other staff entering the room. • Visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control.htmI for additional recommendations on infection control recommendations for patients under investigation for COVID-19 in health care settings. A. Person traveled to or from an affected geographic area' with widespread or sustained community transmission. Does the person have fever' and symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)? I YES NO B. Person had close contact' with a laboratory -confirmed'.' COVID-19 patient Does the person have fever' or symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)? YES NO STOP: No COVID-19 testing needed Continue to treat patient normally. C. Person with severe acute lower respiratory illness' and fever requiring hospitalization. Does the person have an alternative explanatory diagnosis (e.g., influenza)? YES NO This patient meets the criteria for a patient under investigation for COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health asks that you immediately notify both infection control personnel at your health care facility and your county health department (FioridaHealth.gov/CHDFpiContact). Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County, Epidemiology Program 772-462-3883 or after-hours 772-462-3800 'Affected areas are defined as geographic regions where sustained community transmission has been identified. Count rieswth CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Health Notices include: China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, and Japan (as of February 28,2020). A current list of affected areas can be found at www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/. 'Close contact is defined as: (1) being within approximately E feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case, or (2) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on). If such contact occurs while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIDSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection), criteria for PUI consideration are met. Data to inform the definition of close contact are limited. Considerations when assessing close contact include the duration of exposure (e.g., longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk) and the clinical symptoms of the person with COVID-19 (e.g., coughing likely increases exposure risk as does exposure to a severely ill patient). Special consideration should be given to healthcare personnel exposed in healthcare settings 'Documentation of laboratory -confirmation of COVID-19 may not be possible for travelers or persons caringfor patients in other countries. 'For healthcare personnel, testing may be considered if there has been exposure to a person with suspected COVID-19without laboratory confirmation. 'Category includes single or clusters of patients with severe acute lower respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia,ARDS) of unknown etiologym which COVID-19 is being considered. 'Fever may be subjective or confirmed. Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mission: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. Vision: To be the Healthiest Stale in the Nation Ron DeSantis Governor Scott A. Rivkees, MD State Surgeon General Enhanced Surveillance and Preparedness for Coronavirus Disease 2019 COVID-19 February 28, 2020 The Florida Department of Health (Department) would like to update health care providers and laboratories on the detection and reporting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The outbreak has now spread from China with sustained community transmission in many countries. currently causing an outbreak of respiratory illness that originated in China. The Department is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct surveillance for persons who may have been exposed to or infected with COVID-19 while traveling to impacted countries or with contact to a case and arrange for confirmatory testing. As of February 28, 2020, 15 COVID-19 infections have been confirmed in the United States and an additional 46 COVID-19 infections have occurred in persons repatriated to the United States with exposures in Wuhan City or on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship, Limited person -to -person transmission was detected in the U.S. No cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Florida. Since the outbreak began in December, over 78,000 confirmed cases have been reported in China. Although the outbreak is slowing in China cases continue to be reported. Please continue to monitor the CDC website for updates: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html All health care providers should be prepared to identify, collect specimens, and care for patients under investigation for COVID-19. Health care providers should immediately notify both infection control personnel at their health care facility and their county health department(FloridaHealth.gov/chdepicontact) if they identify a person meeting the patient under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 criteria below. Clinical Features Risk Criteria Fever' or signs/symptoms of AND Any person, including health care workerS2, who has lower respiratory illness (e.g. had close contact3 with a laboratory -confirmed' cough or shortness of breath) COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset Fever' and signs/symptoms of AND A history of travel from an affected geographic area a lower respiratory illness (e.g., with sustained community transmission' within 14 cough or shortness of breath) days of symptom onset Fever' with severe acute lower AND No source of exposure has been identified respiratory illness (e.g., pneumonia, ARDS) requiring hospitalization and without alternative explanatory diagnosis (e.g., influenza) Florida Department of Health Division of Disease Control and Health Protection Accredited Health Department 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin Aa - Tallahassee, FL 32399 Public Health Accreditation Board PHONE: 8501245-4732 - FAX: 8501922-8743 Florida Health.gov Ron De5antis Mission: Governor To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated s state, county &community efforts.>- `.. •_ -` Scott A. Rivkees, MID Stale Surgeon General HEALTH a TH Vision: To be the Healthiest Stale in the Nation Specimen Collection for a PUI for COVID-19 For initial diagnostic testing for COVID-19, CDC recommends collecting and testing upper respiratory (nasopharyngeal AND oropharyngeal swabs), and lower respiratory (sputum, if possible) for those patients with productive coughs. Induction of sputum is not recommended. Specimens should be collected as soon as possible once a PUI is identified, regardless of the time of symptom onset. Health Care Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations CDC currently recommends a cautious approach to patients under investigation for COVID-19. Such patients should be asked to wear a surgical mask as soon as they are identified. They should be evaluated in a private room with the door closed, ideally an airborne infection isolation room if available. Health care personnel entering the room should use contact and airborne precautions, including the use of eye protection (e.g., goggles or a face shield). For more information, please refer to CDC's detailed infection control guidance: https://www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations. html Hospital and Health Care Professional Preparedness The Department recommends that hospitals and health care professionals prepare to identify and treat patients with novel coronavirus. The CDC has developed preparedness checklists to guide this effort. They can be found here: https://www,cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/hcp/preparedness-checklists. html Additional Resources https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html 'Fever may be subjective or confirmed. 2For healthcare personnel, testing may be considered if there has been exposure to a person with suspected COVID-19 without laboratory confirmation 3Close contact is defined as — a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters), or within the room or care area, of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection); close contact can include caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case — or— b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment. 4Documentation of laboratory -confirmation of COVID-19 may not be possible for travelers or persons caring for patients in other countries. 5Affected areas are defined as geographic regions where sustained community transmission has been identified. A list of affected areas can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/ Florida Department of Health Division of Disease Control and Health Protection Accredited Health Department 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin AM • Tallahassee, FL 32399 Public Health Accreditation Board PHONE: 85012454732 - FAX: 8501922-8743 FloridaHealth.gov Interim Guidance for Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools j CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People,n, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Please check the following CDC website periodically for updated interim guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread ofCOVID-19 into US communities. Schools can play an important role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments, schools can take steps to disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission within their school community, Schools can prepare to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their students and staff should local health officials identify such a need. Schools should continue to collaborate, share information, and review plans with local health officials to help protect the whole school community, including those with special health needs. School plans should be designed to minimize disruption to teaching and learning and protect students and staff from social stigma and discrimination. Plans can build on everyday practices (e.g., encouraging hand hygiene, monitoring absenteeism, communicating routinely) that include strategies for before, during, and aftera possible outbreak. Who is this guidance for? This interim guidance is intended to help administrators of public and private childcare programs and K-12 schools prevent the spread of COViD-19 among students and staff. Administrators are individuals who oversee the daily operations of childcare programs and K-12 schools, and may include positions like childcare program directors, school district superintendents, principals, and assistant principals. This guidance is intended for administrators at both the school/facility and district level. Why is this guidance being issued? Information provided should help childcare programs, schools, and their partners understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within childcare and school communities and facilities. It also aims to help childcare programs, schools, and partners to react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching and learning if there Is community spread of COVID•19. What is the role of schools in responding to C©VID-19? https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2O l 9-neov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html 3/3/2020 Interim Guidance for Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools I CDC COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) virus, and we are learning more about it everyday. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. At this point, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. More information on COVID-19 is available here, Schools, working together with local health departments, have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases to help ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments. Schools serve students, staff, and visitors from throughout the community. All of these people may have close contact in the school setting, often sharing spaces, equipment, and supplies. Guidance for schools which do not have COVIDW19 identified in their community To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for schools to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, schools should prepare for the possibility of community -level outbreaks. Schools want to be ready if COVID-19 does appear in their communities. Childcare and K-12 school administrators nationwide can take steps to help stop or slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19:. Review, update, and implement emergency operations plans (EOPs). This should be done in collaboration with local health departments and other relevant partners. Focus on the components, or annexes, of the plans that address infectious disease outbreaks. o Ensure the plan includes strategies to reduce the spread of a wide variety of infectious diseases (e.g., seasonal influenza). Effective strategies build on everyday school policies and practices. o Ensure the plan emphasizes common-sense preventive actions for students and staff. For example — emphasize emphasize actions such as staying home when sick; appropriately covering coughs and sneezes; cleaning frequently touched surfaces; and washing hands often. ■ CDC has workplace resources such as posters with messages for staff about staying home when sick 0 and how to avoid spreading germs at work 0 . ■ Other health and education professional organizations may also have helpful resources your school can use or share. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides information on germ prevention strategies E-11 and reducing the spread of illness in childcare settings G Ensure handwashing strategies include washing with soap and water forat least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. ■ CDC offers several free handwashing resources that include health promotion materials, information on proper handwashing technique, and tips for families to help children develop good handwashing habits, Reference key resources while reviewing, updating, and implementing the EOP: ■ Multiple federal agencies have developed resources on school planning principles and a 5-step process for creating plans to build and continually foster safe and healthy school communities before, during, and after possible emergencies. Key resources include guidance on developing high -quality school emergency operations plans 0 C , and a companion guide on the role of school districts in developing high -quality school emergency operations plans ■ G . ■ The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center's website G contains free resources, trainings, and TA to schools and their community partners, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/20l 9-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html 3/3/2020 Interim Guidance for Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools I CDC including many tools and resources on emergency planning and response to infectious disease outbreaks. Develop information -sharing systems with partners. ■ information -sharing systems can be used for day-to-day reporting (on information such as changes in absenteeism) and disease surveillance efforts to detect and respond to an outbreak. ■ Local health officials should be a key partner in information sharing. o Monitor and plan for absenteeism. ■ Review the usual absenteeism patterns at your school among both students and staff. = Alert local health officials about large increases in student and staff absenteeism, particularly if absences appear due to respiratory illnesses (like the common cold or the "flu," which have symptoms similar to symptoms of COVID-19). ■ Review attendance and sick leave policies. Encourage students and staff to stay home when sick. Use flexibility, when possible, to allow staff to stay home to care for sick family members. ■ Discourage the use of perfect attendance awards and incentives. ■ Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by cross -training staff. ■ Determine what level of absenteeism will disrupt continuity of teaching and learning. o Establish procedures for students and staff who are sick at school. ■ Establish procedures to ensure students and staff who become sick at school or arrive at school sick are sent home as soon as possible. ■ Keep sick students and staff separate from well students and staff until they can leave. ■ Remember that schools are not expected to screen students or staff to identify cases of COVID-19 The majority of respiratory illnesses are not COVID-19. If a community (or more specifically, a school) has cases of COVID-19, local health officials will help identify those individuals and will follow up on next steps. ■ Share resources with the school community to help families understand when to keep children home. This guidance, not specific to COVID-19, from the American Academy of Pediatrics can be helpful for families C', . Perform routine environmental cleaning. ■ Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops) with the cleaners typically used. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label. ■ Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (e.g., keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down by students and staff before each use. Create communications plans for use with the school community. = Include strategies for sharing information with staff, students, and their families. Include information about steps being taken by the school or childcare facility to prepare, and how additional Information will be shared. Review CDC's guidance for businesses and employers. ■ Review this CDC guidance to identify any additional strategies the school can use, given its role as an employer. Childcare and K-12 administrators can also support their school community by sharing resources with students (if resources are age -appropriate), their families, and staff. Coordinate with local health officials to determine what type of Information might be best to share with the school community. Consider sharing the following fact sheets and information sources: • Information about COVID-19 available through state and local G health departments https-//www.ede.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.himi 3/3/2020 Interim Guidance for Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools I CDC - General CDC fact sheets to help staff and students' families understand COVID-19 and the steps they can take to protect themselves: o Whatyou need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ■ o What to do Ifyou are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-79) o Stop the spread ofgerms - help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 CDC Information on COVID-19 and children CDC information for staff, students, and their families who have recently traveled back to the United States from areas where CDC has identified community spread of coronavirus: o A list of countries where community spread of COVID-19 is occurring can be found on the CDC webpage-. Corona virus Disease 2019 Information for Travel For questions about students who plan to travel, or have recently traveled, to areas with community spread of COVID-19, refer to CDCs FAQ for travelers. Schools can also consult with state and local health officials. Schools may need to postpone or cancel trips that could expose students and staff to potential community spread of COVID- 19. Students returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow guidance they have received from health officials. COVID-19 information for travel is updated regularly on the CDC website. Guidance for schools with identified cases of COVID-19 in their community If local health officials report that there are cases of COVID-19 in the community, schools may need to take additional steps in response to prevent spread in the school. The first step for schools -In this situation is to talk with local health p •vials. The guidance provided here is based on current knowledge of COVID-19. As additional information becomes available about the virus, how it spreads, and how severe It is, this guidance may be updated. Administrators are encouraged to work closely with local health officials to determine a course of action for their childcare programs or schools. Determine if, when, and for how long childcare programs or schools may need to be dismissed. Temporarily dismissing childcare programs and K-12 schools is a strategy to stop or slow the further spread of COVID- 19 in communities. During school dismissals, childcare programs and schools may stay open for staff members (unless ill) while students stay home. Keeping facilities open a) allows teachers to develop and deliver lessons and materials remotely, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning; and b) allows other staff members to continue to provide services and help with additional response efforts. Childcare and school administrglors should work in close collaboration and coordination with local health officials to make c missal and large event cancellation decisions Schools are not expected to make decisions about dismissal or canceling events on their own. Schools can seek specific guidance from local health officials to determine if, when, and for how long to take these steps. large event cancellations or school dismissals*** may be recommended for 14 days, or possibly longer if advised by local health officials. The nature of these actions (e.g., geographic scope, duration) may change as the local outbreak situation evolves. If an ill student or staff member attended school prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case; • Local health officials may recommend temporary school dismissals if a student or staff member attended school prior to being confirmed as a COVID-19 case. Local health officials` recommendations for the scope (e.g., a https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2O l 9-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-se,hools.html 3I3/2020 Interim Guidance for Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools I CDC single school, a full district) and duration of school dismissals will be made on a case -by -case basis based on the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the impacted community. Schools should work with the local health department and other relevant leadership to communicate the possible COVID-19 exposure, This communication to the school community should align with the communication plan in the school's emergency operations plan. In such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain confidentiality of the student or staff member as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. If a student or staff member has been identified with COVID-19, school and program administrators should seek guidance from local health officials to determine when students and staff should return to schools and what additional steps are needed for the school community. In addition, students and staff who are well but are taking care of or share a home with someone with a case of COVID-19 should follow instructions from local health officials to determine when to return to school. If schools are dismissed, schools can consider the following steps: • Temporarily cancel extracurricular group activities and large events. o Cancel or postpone events such as after -school assemblies and pep rallies, field trips, and sporting events. • Discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere. Discourage gatherings at places like a friend's house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall. • Ensure continuity of education. • Review continuity plans, including plans for the continuity of teaching and learning. Implement e-learning plans, including digital and distance learning options as feasible and appropriate. • Determine, in consultation with school district officials or other relevant state or local partners: If a waiver is needed for state requirements of a minimum number of in -person instructional hours or school days (seat time) as a condition for funding; ■ How to convert face-to-face lessons into online lessons and how to train teachers to do so; ■ How to triage technical issues if faced with limited IT support and staff; ■ How to encourage appropriate adult supervision while children are using distance learning approaches; and ■ How to deal with the potential lack of students' access to computers and the Internet at home. Ensure continuity of meal programs. ■ Consider ways to distribute food to students, If there Is community spread of COVID-19, design strategies to avoid distribution in settings where people might gather in a group or crowd. Consider options such as "gra b-and-go" bagged lunches or meal delivery. Consider alternatives for providing essential medical and social services for students, ■ Continue providing necessary services for children with special healthcare needs, or work with the state Title V Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program. Page last reviewed: February 16, 2020 Content source; National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases htti)s:/Iwww.cde.gov/coIonavirus/2019-ncov/snecxfic-2rout)s/guidance-for-schools.htmi 3/3/2020 Prevention, Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 1 CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 2417. Saving Lives, Protecting PeopleT Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CQVID-19) Prevention & Treatment Prevention 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. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. • Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask. o CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol -based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. For information about handwashing, see CDC's Handwashing website For information specific to healthcare, see CDC's Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers. Treatment There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately. See Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for information on persons under investigation. https://www.cdc,gov/coronavirus/2019-ncoviabout/prevention-treatment.html 3/3/2020