About Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

What is COVID-19:

COVID-19 is a virus that can cause respiratory symptoms similar to seasonal flu, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people have no symptoms. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), while COVID-19 has a high transmission rate, it has a low mortality rate. There are several types of coronavirus; COVID-19 is only one (recently identified) type. Most people who become ill from coronaviruses that circulate in the U.S. recover on their own. Some people, particularly those with underlying health problems, the elderly or those with severe symptoms, may require more intensive medical care.

How to Protect Yourself:

The best ways to protect yourself and others from any virus, including seasonal flu and coronaviruses, are:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Stay home from work or school if you're sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes
If you have mild symptoms, you may not need to go to a medical facility to see a doctor
If you're sick enough to seek medical care and think you have any respiratory illness, including COVID-19, it's important to call the medical facility before arriving and follow directives to avoid exposing others
Primary care doctors are the point of contact for COVID-19 testing. Your doctor will make the decision about whether to test. It's important to remember that not every person with symptoms needs to be tested.
If you work in an office, you can post this flyer (English / Spanish) as a good prevention reminder for everyone

What is El Dorado County Doing to Prepare for COVID-19:

El Dorado County Public Health and agency partners are actively monitoring reports about COVID-19, and taking steps to respond if a case is identified in the county. Public Health and partners are participating in statewide conference calls, receiving updates and guidance from CDPH; sharing guidance with healthcare providers, other County agencies and organizations; reviewing emergency preparedness plans; and sharing resources. Agency partners are also coordinating with CDPH and neighboring counties, and participating in regional meetings to ensure a coordinated response.

Local partners include the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness and Response, local hospitals and health care facilities, schools and others.

Testing:

Primary care doctors are the point of contact for COVID-19 testing. Testing for COVID-19 is being done and is available in El Dorado County, but individuals must meet the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria in order to be tested.

Although the risk of transmission remains low for the general public, notify your healthcare provider if you have one of the following risk factors:

Recent travel to mainland China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea (within the last 14 days) and having respiratory symptoms
Close contact with a person confirmed through a laboratory test to have COVID-19

Local healthcare providers are following CDC guidance about how to assess individuals, and when it's appropriate to conduct a COVID-19 test. It's important to know that some individuals, based on CDC criteria, may not need to be tested or fit the criteria for testing.

Masks:

At this time, it isn't recommended that healthy people wear masks. However, masks are recommended for people who are sick with respiratory symptoms to prevent the spread of viruses. If you're sick with a fever and respiratory symptoms that require you to seek medical care, you'll likely be asked to wear a mask at the healthcare facility.

Managing Anxiety and Stress:

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Some people may be fearful or anxious about COVID-19. Taking care of yourself, your friends and family can help you cope. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger. These things can help you support yourself:

Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Repeatedly hearing about COVID-19 can be upsetting.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row

For additional self-care tips, visit the CDC's website