Contra Costa Health Services – Contra Costa County Coronavirus Press Conference (English)
Contra Costa Health Services – Contra Costa County Coronavirus Press Conference (Spanish)
The primary sources for information and guidance are the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Contra Costa County Public Health. Attached are the most recent documents from those agencies.
COVID19 – What You Need to Know
COVID19 – What to do if You Have Coronavirus
Below are links to their websites:
Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov
Contra Costa County Public Health https://cchealth.org/coronavirus
What Are the Primary Symptoms of the Coronavirus?
In the confirmed cases of Coronavirus, affected individuals have reported mild to severe respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the virus has led to pneumonia, kidney failure, and death. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear within two to fourteen days after exposure. However, some infected individuals have shown little to no symptoms.
How Can Spread of the Coronavirus Be Prevented?
Because there is presently no Coronavirus vaccine available, the CDC is recommending standard precautions to avoid the spread of respiratory viruses, such as washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or, if soap is not available, using hand sanitizer; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying at home when you are sick; and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces. Employee use of issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for work involving exposures is also a very important element to avoid exposure and spread of viruses.
Basic Prevention
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking some actions to help prevent the circulation of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when sick.
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Common areas in the workplace, including break rooms and computer keyboards used by more than one person, are to be kept clean and disinfected.
