King
County has its first cases of novel coronavirus and more
cases have been identified in the U.S. In King County, along
with a number of other places around the U.S., some people
who have tested positive for novel coronavirus did not have
travel to countries where COVID-19 is spreading. This
indicates that there has been spread from person-to-person,
although we don’t yet know how widespread it is. We should
expect that there will be more cases identified in the days
and weeks to come.
Most
cases are mild
The
number of cases are increasing, but the vast majority of the
illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough.
About 80 percent of people infected with novel coronavirus
have not needed hospital care. However, a much smaller
percentage of cases involve severe illness including
pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with
underlying medical conditions. Sadly, in King County, one
person has died. This is the first coronavirus death in the
United States.
It’s
important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of
novel coronavirus, especially to protect those who are more
vulnerable. We also need to be ready for the weeks ahead,
when we are likely to see more cases.
When to seek
medical evaluation and advice
- If you have
symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems,
contact your regular doctor first. Do not go to the
emergency room. Emergency
rooms need to be able to serve those with the most
critical needs.
- If you’re
over 60 or you have underlying conditions like diabetes,
heart disease, lung disease, and weakened immune system.
Come up with a plan with your doctor to identify your
health risks for coronavirus and how to manage symptoms.
Contact your doctor right away if you do have symptoms.
How
to prevent the spread of coronavirus
Coronaviruses
spread between people who are in close contact with one
another (within about 6 feet) via coughs or sneezes. It may
also spread by touching a surface or object with the virus
on it. People are thought to be
most contagious when they are the sickest, though some
spread is possible before people show symptoms.
The
same good health habits that prevent other viruses like the
flu also prevent coronavirus spread and decrease the risk of
getting sick:
- Stay home
when you’re sick.
- Cover your
coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or a tissue
- Wash your
hands often with soap and water. Soap and water is most
effective, but if they aren’t available use hand sanitizer
with 60% alcohol.
- Clean
frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs
and light switches). Regular household cleaners are
effective.
- Get plenty
of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and
manage your stress to keep your immunity strong
- Avoid
contact with people who are sick. If you are more
vulnerable (aged 65 or older, chronic health condition),
consider reducing your exposure by avoiding large, crowded
situations.
Make
plans for what you will do if many people are sick
Even
if most cases are relatively mild, there are impacts when
large numbers of people are sick and absent from work and
school all at the same time. If coronavirus becomes
widespread, health officials will recommend actions that
reduce the numbers of people coming into face-to-face
contact to limit exposure and illness. This could include
dismissing schools or childcare, postponing or cancelling
large gatherings and public events.
Plan
now so that you can be ready in case many people are sick
and can’t go to work or school. Talk
at work about how your workplace can still operate if many
workers are out sick or if they need to stay home to care of
their family members. We have a guide for businesses and
organizations
to help you. The Washington State
Department of Health
has resources for individuals and schools. We’ll be adding
to these resources frequently, so check our websites
frequently.
Resilient
together
Supporting
others in our community will help us be resilient if the
spread of coronavirus becomes more widespread.
- Talk
to your friends and neighbors about how you can help
each other if
people in your households get sick or if your children
aren’t able to go to school or childcare. Can you drop
groceries off on their doorstep? Can you take turns
looking after children who aren’t sick?
- Prevent any
discrimination or stigmatization by sharing accurate
information. Coronavirus infection is not connected to any
race, ethnicity, or nationality. Misinformation
about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that harms
people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We
have resources to address
and prevent discrimination.