Dear All,
If you have watched TV or listened to the radio, you have no doubt heard a lot of distressing news about the novel
coronavirus
, also known as
COVID-19
. On March 5
th
, Governor Hogan issued an emergency proclamation for the state of Maryland in response to the first confirmed case of COVID-19 identified in our state. It is important to remember that, while this sounds frightening, it happened out of an abundance of caution and to allow those in the state to get help if they need it. In 2019, Maryland had an estimated population of 6,062,659; as of Tuesday, 3/10/2020, only 6 people in Maryland were reportedly affected by the virus.
Having confirmed cases in the state adds to the stress of the situation and makes us susceptible to fear and misinformation. While NAMI Maryland is taking the COVID-19 seriously, we also want to make sure the people whom we serve, those who live with mental illness and those who love them, don't miss out on the information and support that we and our NAMI affiliates have to offer.
NAMI Maryland is closely monitoring ongoing updates about COVID-19 here in our state
. We recommend viewing the
Maryland Department of Health
(MDH)
for updated information on COVID-19. We will continue to check the MDH and CDC websites daily for updates and listen for new information from local news and public healthcare providers.
- For most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. This virus is not currently widespread in the United States.
- People in places where confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported are at elevated risk of exposure, with increased risk dependent on the location.
- Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
- Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure, with increase in risk dependent on the location and so may not be allowed into the United States. The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to several countries. Before traveling, consult travel guidance from the CDC.
The symptoms of the COVID-19 are:
Mild to severe respiratory illness, fever, cough, shortness of breath