COVID-19: GET EDUCATED Education is key. In order to stay current on what is happening with the virus, North Collier Fire is in regular contact with our local and statewide governmental partners including both the Collier County and State of Florida Departments of Health. We also closely monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), both of which provide valuable information and data from national and global perspectives. Here, we provide you with educational information on the virus as well as links to pertinent websites that provide useful information on COVID-19 so that you may stay informed as well. WHY IS THE DISEASE BEING CALLED COVID-19? According to the CDC, on February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD? According to the CDC, the virus spreads person-to-person and seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas: between two people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 inches); through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; (these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs); by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly the eyes (but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads). HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF? There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends the following precautions: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask. Facemasks should be worn by people who show symptoms. 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19? According to the Florida Department of Health, patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: fever; cough; and difficulty breathing. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK THAT I (OR SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY) MIGHT HAVE COVID-19? The Florida Department of Health suggests the following: 1. Contact the Collier County Health Department at 239-252-8200. 2. Contact a health-care provider as soon as possible. Call ahead and tell them before you visit that you think you may have COVID-19 so they can take precautions to prevent exposing other people. 3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 4. If you have a surgical mask, wear it during close contact with other people. 5. Remember that very few respiratory infections will be COVID-19. 6. Review your symptoms and travel history with your physician. WHAT IS THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DOING TO ADDRESS COVID-19? The Florida Department of Health is actively involved in enhanced surveillance for respiratory illness that may be COVID-19. Epidemiologists will follow up on any suspected cases that meet criteria for COVID-19 to arrange for testing when needed and monitor contacts of any confirmed cases, if they occur. WHERE DO I GET INFORMATION ON CONFIRMED CASES IN FLORIDA OF COVID-19? The Florida Department of Health is actively involved in enhanced surveillance for respiratory illness that may be COVID-19. Epidemiologists will follow up on any suspected cases that meet criteria for COVID-19 to arrange for testing when needed and monitor contacts of any confirmed cases, if they occur. WHO DO I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19? Call the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 8am to midnight. They are also available by email at COVID-19@flhealth.gov. You may also call the Collier County Department of Health at 239-252-8200. HELPFUL LINKS Collier County Department of Health Florida Department of Health CDC (Centers for Disease Control) World Health Organization

2020-03-09T12:38:29.000Z via Facebook