COVID-19 Information

* The most common signs of COVID-19 are FEVER, COUGH, and DIFFICULTY BREATHING *

* STAY HOME WHILE YOU ARE SICK *

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are having these symptoms, consider contacting your healthcare provider for medical advice.

People who are mildly ill may not need to be tested and should isolate (practice social distancing, keep away from other people) and care for themselves at home.

** STAY HOME WHILE YOU ARE SICK **

Get rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Do not go to work, school, or public areas.

Avoid using public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis or ride-shares.

If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, the entire household should stay home.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. Stay in a specific room away from others in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

Avoid sharing personal household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Restrict contact with pets and other animals while sick. Avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food with your pet. Wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

* Call ahead before visiting a doctor and monitor your symptoms *

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is getting worse (e.g., difficulty breathing).

If you have a medical appointment or are seeking care, call the doctor’s office and tell them you have, or may have COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the building to help keep other people in the office or waiting room from sick.

If you need emergency medical care, CALL 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or may have COVID-19.

Emergency warning signs for COVID-19 may include: difficult breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or mask when you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Wash hands right after.

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

If soap and water are not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol may be used. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean and disinfect all surfaces that get touched often, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

Disinfect areas with bodily fluids such as blood, stool, or body fluids on them.

Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions.

*** Discontinuation home isolation ***

If you are sick and have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and have been directed to isolate at home, you can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND

Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND

At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

For more information:

Visit the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) COVID-19 Resource Page

Visit CDC’s COVID-19 website “What To Do if You Are Sick”

Call VDH COVID-19 hotline at 877-ASK-VDH3