Coronavirus

What you need to know

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This notification is about the coronavirus; please take a moment and read the text below as it is very important.

The coronavirus is part of the same family of viruses as the common cold. When you have a cold, you are infected by a virus from the corona family. The difference is that this new virus – called COVID-19 - is a different strain that has not been previously identified.

As I am sure you know from watching the news, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is in the US and spreading; although the risk of you contracting the virus remains low, you should be aware and exercise caution.

VERY IMPORTANT

Please do not panic. As you go about your life, at work or at home, it is up to each and every one of you to take precautionary measures to avoid being infected by the virus.

Please communicate with your employer the moment you display any of the symptoms described below.

Please copy Mr. Petrina to any such communication.

Here is what you should know:

HOW YOU CAN GET IT

Person – to - person spread:

Coronavirus is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

SYMPTOMS

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

HOW YOU CAN PREVENT IT

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are some everyday preventive actions you can take to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

WHAT TO DO IF IN DOUBT

The Florida Department of Health has established a COVID-19 call center that can be reached at 866-779-6121. The call center is available to residents and visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Questions can also be submitted to the department’s COVID-19 team via email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov

To learn more about the virus, check out the links below:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

CORONAVIRUS

What you need to know

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SYMPTOMS