Office of Public Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) Brenda Weis, Health Administrator Michel Masters, Director, Communicable Disease Montgomery County Board of Commissioners: Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence, Vice Chair Joseph C. Gale, Commissioner
Coronavirus - Background Novel Coronavirus is a new virus, part of a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people Began in Wuhan, China in December 2019, but is now spreading worldwide Possible origin of virus a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread More than 70 countries with confirmed cases of disease, more likely to occur in coming weeks and months
Symptoms Symptoms range from mild to severe, and can include death Symptoms appear as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to virus China or a People can spread country with a travel restrictions disease before their symptoms appear
Transmission Similar to other respiratory illnesses like Influenza Person to Person People who are close contacts with one another Respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs and sneezes Pets can become infected and spread disease Possible spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects Virus can remain on surfaces from hours to days
Diagnosis and Treatment If you have symptoms of respiratory illness or fever that require hospitalization or medical care, your doctor or hospital may collect samples for testing State of Pennsylvania Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) has the ability to conduct testing, although testing results will need to be verified by CDC testing as well Montco will follow-up with cases confirmed by the BOL even if they are not yet verified by CDC Currently is no vaccine to prevent spread of illness Currently is no treatment other than supportive care (e.g., over the counter medications, hydration)
Prevention Best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus Avoid close contact with people who are sick Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Stay home when you are sick Cover your cough with a tissue or shirt sleeve/elbow crease Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces (no need to wear gloves in public) Masks are reserved for healthcare professionals and very sick individuals (prevent their spreading disease) Remember: COVER, CLEAN, WASH, and CONTAIN
COVER: Your Cough Cover your nose your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze Use the nearest trash to dispose of tissue after use If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow Wash your hands after handling tissues or coughing
CLEAN: Surfaces Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe How to use cleaners and disinfectant? Read the label Instructions to prepare the product How to apply the product correctly Precautions you should take when applying How long you need to leave the product on a surface (contact time) Is the product safe for the surface?
WASH : Your Hands Often Wash your hands often with soap and water If not readily available, then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer Wet hands with running water, turn off tap and apply soap Lather hands Scrub for 20 seconds Rinse hands Dry using clean towel or air dry
CONTAIN : Stay Home When Sick If you are sick, limit activities outside your home Do no go to work, school, or public areas Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home If you need medical care, call ahead before visiting your doctor or a health care facility Some health plans have virtual doctor’s visits
Travel Restrictions Temporary travel restrictions have been implemented by CDC for countries with high community spread to increase the ability to detect the virus and limit the spread into the United States. CDC determines travel restrictions and keeps country informed Levels: Level 3 : Avoid Nonessential Travel China, Iran, South Korea, Italy Level 2 : Practice Enhanced Precautions Japan Level 1 : Practice Usual Precautions Hong Kong Check CDC’s website for updated info on travel restrictions:
CDC and PADOH Response Coordinate federal and states response Guidelines for health professionals to follow Travel restrictions Database to track individuals Materials for outreach and education Preparing as if it were the next pandemic
Montgomery County Response Respond to ill and at-risk individuals to prevent disease Follow up by phone or email with individuals are ill or at risk Provide guidelines for isolation and quarantine for persons who are ill Monitor individuals for symptoms Communicate information for personal care and hygiene, monitoring, and preventing spread of disease Prevent Community Spread Coordinate with other county offices for a unified approach and response to community issues Share information about prevention and spread with the public Initiate closures, isolation, and quarantine, as needed
Montgomery County Responses Reaching out to special populations Elderly and Seniors Children and Daycare Residents with ESL (English as Second Language) Others: persons who are un- or under-insured, who are unable to take time from work, who manage shelters or daycare facilities, or who are housing unstable Supplies Masks Thermometers Hand Sanitizer
Preparing for Coronavirus Create a Home Emergency Kit Non-perishable food (cans, bottles, dried foods) Medications Thermometer First Aid Kit Baby Supplies Pet Supplies
Interim Guidance: K-12 No Cases Collaborate and coordinate with OPH Review, update, and implement emergency operations plans Develop information-sharing systems Monitor and plan for absenteeism Establish procedures for students and staff who are sick at school Perform routine environmental cleaning Create communication plans used with the school community Review CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers
Interim Guidance: K-12 with Cases Consider temporary school dismissals and policy Plan for communicating possible COVID-19 exposure and illness Policy for students and staff to return to school if exposed or ill
For More Information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: PA Dept of Health:
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