Information Regarding the Coronavirus Disease

March 3, 2020

Information Regarding the Coronavirus Disease

Click here for Coronavirus Resources

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified and named the recent public viral outbreak of the coronavirus as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The coronavirus itself is a large family of viruses that, while not new, have different strains. The COVID-19 strain is a newly identified strain that causes respiratory illness similar to the flu.

We are reaching out to you today to provide you with general information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the County Offices of Public Health regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

If as a service provider you suspect an outbreak of COVID-19 in your organization, please contact your local health department immediately and follow their instructions. Please report a suspected or confirmed outbreak to TCRC and CCL as required by applicable regulations:
California Code of Regulations Title 22, section 80061(b)(1)(H); Title 22 section 81061(b)(1)(G); Title 22 section 82061(a)(1)(F); and Title 22 section 87211(a)(2). You can also review the most recent Provider Information Notice (PIN) for Adult and Senior Programs issued by Community Care Licensing. TCRC has added to our SIR form reporting “Diagnosis of communicable disease/parasite.”

TCRC leadership is constantly monitoring information about Coronavirus in all three counties and will continue to reach out when new information is released that affects TCRC, the people we serve, and our service provider community. If you have any questions, please reach out to your county public health department for the most current information using the links at the end of this message.

PREVENTION AND STAYING HEALTHY

To stop the transmission of this virus, it is recommended by the CDC to:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough (with a tissue if possible or point your mouth into your arm), then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Soap and water helps!! The virus will break down if exposed to soap, so there is no need to only use disinfectant agents when cleaning.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of Coronavirus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
    • The CDC does not recommend that people who are healthy wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases.
    • 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.
  • 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.

FAQs ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS

  • Is there a vaccine to prevent the Coronavirus?
    • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease but there is no reason to panic.
    • As always, you should stay home if you are sick [with any kind of illness, not just the Coronavirus] and do not visit others if you are sick.
  • How sick are people with Coronavirus getting?
    • Most people (80%) have no or mild symptoms and they recover completely.
    • 20% get sicker and need medical care.
    • Between 2-3% can get quite ill and may require hospitalization; the disease can lead to death.
    • Typically it is the most vulnerable individuals—those who are older or have a chronic disease—who become ill first.
  • How is Coronavirus spread?
    • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • This occurs via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    • Masks don’t cover your eyes, which is why masks don’t prevent healthy persons from exposure.
    • The CDC is concerned that it might be possible that a person can get Coronavirus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
    • It might be possible for the virus to spread before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with this new coronavirus.
    •  Some persons with the Coronavirus may never have any symptoms, and therefore not realize they are spreading the disease which is why basic prevention steps are useful for everyone.
  • Why are some counties declaring a health care emergency?
    • This allows them to better prepare in case coronavirus infections are diagnosed in their county.
    • It is not an indicator of anything more than increasing their ability to respond to the virus.
    • This is important as worldwide Coronavirus is spreading, especially in Asia and Europe although numerous other countries now have some cases.
  • What should I say if someone asks me what I know about Coronavirus?
    • Share the websites with others to ensure others in the community have the most accurate and timely information.

Useful websites with constantly updated information (some specific to geographic areas)
The World Health Organization (WHO)

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/risk-communication-and-community-engagement

County offices of Public Health