I am reaching out to ensure you have the best available information to protect and care for yourself and your loved ones as we learn more about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the coronavirus to be a serious public health threat. It is important that you are aware of the disease and the efforts necessary to prevent its spread. The following information can also be found on our website.

Symptoms
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you have visited China within the past two weeks and start to feel ill, call your doctor.

Prevention 
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

• Stay home except to get medical care 
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• Wear a facemask
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available

Travel Warnings 
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China and South Korea. CDC also advises that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions consider postponing nonessential travel to Iran, Italy, and Japan. Travelers should practice usual precautions when traveling to Hong Kong. If you plan to travel internationally, I encourage you to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive important messages, alerts, updates, and travel advisories while you are there.

Further Information 
Experts have been working hard to understand this new strain of coronavirus. Because new information is coming out every day, please visit the sites below to stay up to date.

The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides updates on the disease's spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.

The State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.

The safety of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our West Chester office at (610) 883-5050, or our Reading office at (610) 295-0815.