Covid 19 Fact Sheet

An image of the covid-19 virus from the CDC

Source: cdc.gov/covid-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other areas, including the United States. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Those who are immunocompromised and the elderly are at highest risk for complications.

Symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets enter the body via the mouth and nose of a nearby individual.

Close contact increases your risk for COVID-19, including:

  • Being within approximately 6 feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time.
  • Having direct contact with body fluids (such as blood, phlegm, and respiratory droplets) from an individual with COVID-19.

To protect yourself from exposure:

  • Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 40 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
  • Minimize contact with frequently touched surfaces.

To protect your business:

  • Send home or separate anyone who becomes sick.
  • Encourage and support your employees’ personal health and recommend they stay home when sick.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Create an exposure mitigation plan utilizing this information.

Additional Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/guidance-law-enforcement.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/php/CDC-Activities-Initiatives-for-COVID-19-Response.pdf

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