As of March 18, 2020 there have been a total of 675 positive cases and 16 deaths in California due to COVID-19. These facts come from the websites from the government’s Center for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, and the California Department of Public Health.

What is COVID-19?

– COVID-19 is short for “coronavirus disease 2019.”

– It is a respiratory (lung) disease that can spread from person to person. 

– It was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.

– The first infections were linked to a live animal market.

Is it contagious?

– It is spread mostly through close contact with another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

What are the symptoms?

– COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Is there a vaccine for it?

– There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

– As of March 16, 2020 a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating an investigational vaccine designed to protect against COVID-19 has begun at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institution in Seattle.

Who is at risk?

– Those who are most at risk include people who are 65 years and older, people who live in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home, people of any age with chronic lung disease, diabetes, congestive heart failure, extreme obesity, or pregnant women.

What can you do to protect yourself from getting sick?

– Avoid contact with those who are infected.

– Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

– Wash your hands with soap and water.

– It is not recommended that you wear a facemask if you are not sick.

What to do if you are sick?

– Stay home if you’re sick.

– Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

– Wear a facemask.

– Frequently clean and disinfect touched surfaces.

Tips

– While at home, take breaks from social media and TV by stretching, exercising, reading a book, taking a nap, eating healthy, and connecting with people around you.