COVID-19 Response

Basics of COVID-19

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus first discovered in December 2019 in China. This virus is highly contagious and has quickly spread throughout the world. Transmission can occur through exposure to infectious respiratory fluids and exposure can occur in three ways:

1. Inhalation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles.
2. Deposition of respiratory droplets and particles on exposed mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or eye by direct splashes and sprays.
3. Touching mucous membranes with hands that have been soiled either directly by virus-containing respiratory fluids or indirectly by touching surfaces with the virus on them.

Learn more About COVID-19. 

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms that may feel like a cold, flu, or pneumonia. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after you have been exposed to the virus and symptoms range from mild to severe. 

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion/runny nose
• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you:

• Get tested for COVID-19 by using an At-Home Test Kit or by visiting a healthcare facility/pharmacy/
• If you tested positive for COVID-19, please follow the isolation guidance below to protect our community. 

Seek emergency medical attention by calling 911 or visiting your local emergency facility if you are experiencing the following symptoms. Please note that this list does not include all possible symptoms. We recommend that you call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. 

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds (depending on skin tone)

Learn more about the Symptoms of COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Isolation Recommendation

Healthcare professionals should visit the Ending Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19: Interim Guidance website for additional information. 

If you are feeling ill and/or suspect that you have COVID-19, you should get tested and isolate yourself from others. Below are the current isolation recommendations from the CDC: 

• If you test Negative, you can end your isolation
• If you test Positive, follow the full isolation recommendation:
  • Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.
    • Wear a mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
    • Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask. 
    • Do not travel.
    • Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
    • Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
    • Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
    • Don’t share personal household items, such as cups, towels, and utensils.
    • Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
    • Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19.