Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses from the common cold, to pneumonia. COVID-19 is a new coronavirus identified in December 2019, following an outbreak in Wuhan, China. As of today March 5, there are 13 confirmed cases in New York. That assessment may change in the weeks to months ahead. The incubation period or period between exposure to infection and appearance of symptoms is estimated to be 2-14 days. Symptoms can range from asymptomatic (displaying no symptoms), to mild to severe and can include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
Transmission
Coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through droplets released over short distances, such as when the person coughs or sneezes.
General Infection Prevention Strategies
The NYS Health Department continues to advise the following infection prevention strategies for common respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza or “flu,” “common cold viruses”). These same strategies should be used for COVID-19. These include:
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (in the absence of a tissue, cough or sneeze into your shirt sleeve or bent arm).
• Keep your hands clean (wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds). Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get the flu shot (at this time, there are no current vaccinations for coronaviruses).
Face Masks
In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NYS Health Department does not recommend the routine use of masks if you are healthy. It is important to note that individuals wear face masks for many reasons, including seasonal allergies, pollution or have been directed by their healthcare provider to do so. They should not be harassed or targeted for wearing one. It is understandable for New Yorkers to feel anxious about COVID-19 at this time. Misinformation can cause confusion, and at worst, it leads to xenophobia that undermines the social fabric of our country.