Coronavirus Update and the District's Preparedness

Dear Neighbors,

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause respiratory illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Coronavirus Disease 2019, also referred to as COVID-19, is a new respiratory virus that emerged last December and originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The disease has since spread to several countries and has been detected in several states. The emergence of this new virus is certainly alarming and it is understandable that many are fearful for their own safety and that of their families. But, it is important to remember that our fear should not reduce us to panic and it should certainly not become a tool of stigmatization or discrimination against our Asian American neighbors and business owners. There are preparations and precautions that we can all make to help reduce our risk and exposure to this new virus, and I hope that you'll find the resources below to be helpful.

Prevention - There are more than twenty COVID-19 vaccines currently in development, but they are unlikely to be ready for the market before the end of this current outbreak. In the meantime, residents should practice the following:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Wash your hands often and vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick

Does wearing a face mask offer me greater protection? No, the CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask as a means to protect against infectious respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. The CDC recommends that face masks be primarily used by healthcare professionals, caregivers, and people who already display symptoms of COVID-19 in order to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

It is believed that COVID-19 is spread from among people who are in close contact with one another and that symptoms appear anywhere from 2-14 days after initial exposure. What we know from other coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, transmission may occur via infected respiratory droplets released from coughing or sneezing.

Preparedness - A main component of home preparedness is to ensure that if you do exhibit COVID-19 or influenza-like symptoms, that you'll be able to comfortably and safely remain at home during the recovery period:

• Refill your regularly prescribed medications to ensure that you have an adequate supply
• Also make sure to have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand (pain relievers, stomach remedies, and cough and cold medicines)
• Have a thermometer, tissues, soap, and hand sanitizer available in your home
• Stock your home with non-perishable food items and fluids with electrolytes

DC Health and the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency are coordinating the District's emergency response planning for the potential impacts from the disease.

Symptoms - While medical and public health professionals continue to learn about the various symptoms of this disease, common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Sore throat

If you exhibit symptoms or suspect exposure to the virus - Call your medical provider before using public transportation or visiting a healthcare facility in person. Healthcare providers have been provided with a 24 hour hotline number to staff at DC Health, so detailed descriptions of your symptoms and/or suspected exposure will help best inform the next steps undertaken by DC Health. It is also important to remember that this is also flu season, and your symptoms may be caused by influenza. If you do exhibit symptoms, it is important to stay home until you are free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours and without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medications. If your symptoms are extreme or urgent and you need immediate assistance, as with any other circumstances like this, please call 911.

Travel Warnings - Travelers who have been in Hubei Province in the previous 14 days are reasonably believed to have a high risk of exposure to COVID-19 based on the scope and magnitude of the epidemic in that area. These travelers should be managed as having high-risk exposure. The CDC has issued the following travel guidance related to COVID-19:

• China — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel
• Hong Kong — Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
• Iran — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel 
• Italy — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel 
• Japan — Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
• South Korea — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel

Local Resources - Below are links to websites dedicated to resources and alerts at the state, federal, and international levels on COVID-19:

• DC Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization

It is important to remember that while the risk assessment of COVID-19 is likely to change over time, most Americans and residents in the District are currently at relatively low risk of contracting COVID-19. To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 in the District of Columbia (DC Health has already monitored six patients for the virus; five have tested negative and one is pending results). DC Health is also in constant contact with the CDC and has been and will continue to update protocols based on CDC recommendations. I will continue to provide updates to the community as they become available and, in the meantime, please stay safe and take precautions.

Regards,

Mary