Resources for Coronavirus and COVID-19 in the Northern Virginia Region

The CDC explains, “COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.” The virus itself is called SARS-CoV-2, short for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Not all coronaviruses spread easily, but this one appears to be highly contagious. According to the CDC: Scientists believe this coronavirus spreads mostly person to person through respiratory droplets. These are the droplets sprayed into the air from a cough or sneeze. Droplets from an infected person can enter the mouth or nose of another person. It’s also possible that someone could inhale droplets into their lungs. It may be possible for people to contract COVID-19 by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose or possibly eyes. It appears to be most contagious when someone is sick. It’s possible that someone could spread the illness before they show symptoms, but this doesn’t appear to be a main way for it to spread.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow, then throw the tissue in the trash. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your face Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. The CDC bases this on what’s been seen with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, or MERS-CoV. This virus was first reported in humans in 2012. According to the World Health Organization (see “How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?”), people are showing symptoms of the coronavirus 1-14 days after exposure, with five days being the most common. The WHO notes that estimates will be updated as more data becomes available.

Wear a mask Wash your hands Stay 6 feet away from others Avoid any immunocompromised, elderly or chronically ill patients Avoid any close contact, including work, with others until you are 24 hours fever free without the use of fever lowering drugs (such as Tylenol and ibuprofen). This could take up to 14 days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The World Health Organization Virginia Health Department Mary Washington Hospital information Stafford County Health Department