Helpful information about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
Information about COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new virus strain that is believed to spread in similar ways as the common cold, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If you think you have been exposed to the virus and have respiratory symptoms, please call your health care provider or use Express Care Virtual as a first step, before coming into the doctor’s office or your local emergency department. A health care provider can give you instructions for seeking care, which you can do without exposing others.
Across the world, new cases of COVID-19 are being reported, and some parts of the country have declared a state of emergency. However, according to the CDC and other authorities, the risk remains low for exposure in the U.S.
How to protect yourself
You can protect yourself from COVID-19 infection the same ways you protect against the common cold or seasonal flu.
Sanitize your hands often for at least 20 seconds each time. Alcohol gel works well in most situations (like after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose), but handwashing with soap and water should be performed after going to the bathroom, before eating, or when your hands are visibly soiled.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. (Putting a tissue on a table contaminates the surface of the table with germs.)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Routinely disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a cleaning spray or wipe.
Avoid travel to high-risk countries. We are discouraging non-essential travel to or through any of the countries for which the CDC has issued a level 2 or 3 travel health notice.
If you feel sick
Use home quarantine or home isolation:
Stay home if you believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you are not showing any symptoms.
If you have traveled to a country on the CDC list of level 2 or 3 travel health notices and feel ill, call your health care provider.
Stay home when you are sick, especially if you have respiratory illness symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to a COVID-19 infection. Whether you have seasonal flu, the common cold, or something else, it’s important you stay away from others when sick.
Monitor yourself for fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
See a health care provider in minutes from the comfort of your own home, seven days a week, using ExpressCare Virtual.
Symptoms to monitor
Stay informed
The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Stay on top of the latest by visiting the CDC website, which is being updated frequently.
You can also learn how Washington state is responding to the situation by visiting the Washington Department of Health website.