The Facts: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Feb 28, 2020
Newsletter

Dear Friend,


With so much misinformation out there about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to share some facts and resources with you. Obviously, the sudden outbreak of this virus and its rapid transmission are concerning; however, I think the best policy is to be well informed.

 

Below, I’ve included information about best-practices for keeping you and your loved ones healthy – these strategies are also effective prevention against the common cold and influenza! 

 
I’ve also included a description of COVID-19 symptoms and a list of frequently asked questions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you feel sick with a fever, a cough, have difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or were in close contact with someone who has coronavirus in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms. 

 

Currently, the CDC is conducting all testing, but U.S. health officials are working around the clock to get the approvals they need to safely roll out a test that hospitals and state health authorities can use to diagnose the coronavirus. This will streamline the process and result in quicker detection, so that people can get the treatment that they need in as timely a manner as possible. 

 
While the CDC is preparing for all scenarios, including ones in which the virus spreads widely, it is important to remember that the current risk to the American public remains low. The public health response seeks to ensure that this risk stays low and to prevent sustained spread of coronavirus in this country.   

 

Our national and community response must be science-focused and not one of knee-jerk reactions and prejudice against any community or group. Being Chinese or Asian American does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19. People - including those of Asian descent - who have not recently traveled to China or been in contact with a person who has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are not at greater risk of acquiring and spreading COVID-19 than any one else. People who have returned from China more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms are not infected with the virus and contact with them will not give you the virus. 

 

Remember, if you ever have any questions or need help with a federal agency, you can contact me through my website or call my office at 212-860-0606.  

 

Sincerely, 

Carolyn B. Maloney 

Member of Congress 

 

Prevention  

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: 
 
What You Should Do:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. 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 healthcare facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • 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. 
  • It is currently flu season, so please get your flu vaccine if you haven't already. 

  

What You Should Not Do

  • Do not travel to China.
  • Do not use facemasks unless you have symptoms. CDC does not recommend the use of facemasks for the general public to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 
  • Do not show prejudice to people of Asian descent, because of fear of this new virus.
  • Do not assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have coronavirus. 

 

Symptoms

CORONAVIRUS: CDC Guidance on Symptoms

For confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

Symptoms can include:

  • Fever 
  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath 

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses.

   

Resources

Experts have been working hard to understand this new strain of coronavirus. Because new information is coming out every day, please visit the sites below to stay up to date.