Dear Neighbor,

Recent news reports confirm that two Georgians have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person and has now been detected in 60 global locations. I am taking this public health emergency very seriously and working in Congress to move an emergency spending package forward to address the coronavirus threat. I would like to share some important information about how you can keep your family safe, healthy and prepared during this rapidly developing situation. 

Prevention
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

• 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, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
•  Follow the 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. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings.

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

• 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.

Symptoms
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of

• Fever
•  Cough
•  Shortness of breath

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or experience the symptoms listed above, then contact your healthcare provider immediately.


Travel Warnings
The CDC provides recommendations on postponing or canceling travel based on assessment of the potential health risks involved with traveling to a certain area. A list of destinations with COVID-19 travel notices is available here.

Local Resources
Georgia Department of Public Health
Clayton County Public Health Department
Cobb and Douglas Public Health Department
Fayette County Health Department
Fulton County Health Department
Henry County Health Department

Additional Information
To obtain the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus outbreak from the CDC, click here. I have also created a Coronavirus Information Page on my website here.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office on this or other issues of concern to you. 

Sincerely,

David Scott
Member of Congress
Georgia’s Thirteenth Congressional District