As you may have heard, the Centers for Disease Control considers the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a serious public health threat.  I want to make sure that you have the best information available to keep you and your loved ones healthy.

The good news is, just this week, the House approved emergency supplemental funding totaling $7.8 billion to address the virus at home and abroad, including expediting vaccine development, purchasing medical equipment and supplies, and assisting state and local health departments.

In the meantime, here is some helpful guidance from the CDC, based on the latest information available, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2015, my Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968, my Lancaster office at (740) 654-2654, or my Wilmington office at (937) 283-7049.

Symptoms of infection:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

How does it spread?

• It spreads from person to person, just like other common illnesses, such as the flu or a cold
• Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more severe disease

What steps can you take?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Stay at home when you are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
  

CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea, but if you must travel:

• Avoid contact with sick people
• Avoid animals, animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Discuss travel to China with your health care provider, especially if you are older or have a chronic condition
• Clean your hands often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

If you spent time in China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea during the past 14 days and feel sick with fever or cough, or have difficulty breathing:

• Seek medical advice; call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms
• Avoid contact with others
• Do not travel while sick; this includes public transportation such as bus, train, subway, or airplane
• Cover your moth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
• Clean your hands often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer