COVID-19 Information

History of 2019 Novel Coronavirus COVID-19

COVID-19 was deemed a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, affecting the United States and internal locations.

What are COVID-19 viruses?

-coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illnesses arranging from the common cold to tore severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Read more from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NEH&S)

Particles containing the virus can travel more than six feet, especially indoors, so physical distancing, face coverings, increased ventilation indoors, and respiratory protection decrease the spread of COVID-19 but are most effective when used in combination

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can be spread through the air when an infectious person talks or vocalizes, sneezes, coughs or exhales.

****COVID-19 can spread pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic*****

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19-symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Please note, this list does not include all possible symptoms, check CDC for any updates.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat, congestion, or runny nose

  • Diarrhea

How to Protect Yourself

  • Wash (20secs) or sanitize your hands

  • Wear a mask (well-fitted mask over your mouth and nose)

  • Keep your distance at least 6 feet apart from others
  • Don’t touch your face
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch often
  • Follow local or state health orders or existing Cal/OSHA safety orders when face covering should be worn
  • If you are sick, stay home

COVID-19 may be transmitted when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, although that is less common.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, DO NOT report to work or school. If you have been exposed, follow the CDC protocol.

Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.

When to seek medical attention, for any emergency:

  • trouble breathing
  • persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • new confusion
  • inability to wake or stay awake
  • bluish lips or face

Get emergency care immediately – call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention link below.