What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how does it spread?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possible their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Know the facts about COVID-19 and help stop the spread of rumors.
FACT 1: Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.
FACT 2: The risk of getting COVID-19 in the U.S. is currently low.
Some people who live in or have recently traveled to placed where many people have gotten sick with COVID-19 may be monitored by health officials to protect their health and the health of other people in the community.
FACT 3: Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
For up-to-date information, visit CDC’s coronavirus disease 2019 web page.
FACT 4: You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:
Seek medical attention if you are experiencing:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
FACT 5: There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and other healthy.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
There is a great deal of material available relating to COVID19. These resources cover facts, preventative measures, business planning, employee health, travel precautions and more.
Additional resources available include but are not limited to:
- BCH Risk Management Center, Think HR: www.thinkhr.com www.lossfreerx.com
- OSHA: osha.gov/covid-19
- World Health Organization: www.who.int
For more information, contact a member of your BCH service team.
