A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It is named for the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

• We are in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as other local and national partners to share information.
• We have sent information to health care providers around the state with current recommendations for screening and testing for COVID-19, as well as to EMS providers regarding proper protection procedures.
• We are holding frequent calls with staff and our state and health care provider partners to remain apprised of the latest updates.
• Sharing messaging with partners and the public as it becomes available.
• This is a rapidly evolving situation, so information and recommendations are likely to change quickly as well. We will continue to learn more in the coming days and share new information as it is available.

• Through the air by coughing and sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

• Travelers to and from certain areas of China, Italy, South Korea, Japan and Iran are at increased risk as are their close contacts
• Current risk to the general public is low
• See travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms (similar to the common cold) to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

*If you have recently returned from travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Japan or Iran and have developed symptoms such as the above, contact the Division of Public Health at 1-866-408-1899 to discuss your concerns and next steps. If you need to call 9-1-1, relay your recent travel history and symptoms to the 9-1-1 operator. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses. There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

• If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 and relay your symptoms to the 9-1-1 operator.
• The CDC recommends you call your health care professional if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. Your health care professional will work with the Delaware Division of Public Health to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
• Stay home, rest, and avoid others. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications.
• Fourteen days is the presumed incubation period for this virus, so remaining at home and avoiding large gatherings for this time will ensure that you do not spread the virus in the community if you develop symptoms.
• If you are unsure what you should do, contact the Division of Public Health Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 to discuss your concerns and next steps.

The outbreaks in Asia, Europe and the Middle East are leading to fears of a global pandemic. While the U.S. recorded its first death in late February, the risk for people in Delaware and the rest of the country remains low at this time. The Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) has warned that Americans should brace for the likelihood that the virus will spread to the U.S.

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly; avoid touching your face or mouth with unwashed hands; sneeze or cough into your elbow, if you use a tissue, throw it away immediately; and stay home if you are sick. Listen for updated guidance from the Delaware Division of Public Health and check the DPH website at de.gov/coronavirus

For those considering travel outside of the country, check the CDC's list of travel alerts and the agency's recommendations for travel. Recommendations change frequently so you are encouraged to check the website frequently. There are currently no recommendations to limit travel within the U.S. Each person/family should make their own decision based on personal health factors and anticipated travel destinations. Find the CDC travel information at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community ("community spread") in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Individuals confirmed to have the disease, should receive medical support/care for the symptoms they are experiencing.

People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how COVID-19 actually spreads can help stop stigma.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Anyone who has returned from a country with a level 2 or higher travel alert - China, Italy, Iran, Japan, and South Korea - in the past 14 days and has developed symptoms such as coughing, fever and shortness of breath, should contact the Division of Public Health at 1-866-408-1899. If you develop symptoms, contact the Division of Public Health at 1-866-408-1899 for guidance on next steps. Fourteen days is the presumed incubation period for this virus, so remaining at home and avoiding large gatherings for this time will ensure that you do not spread the virus in the community if you develop symptoms.

Event hosts should review the potential risks and cancel all "non-essential mass gatherings" of 100 people or more. CDC event guidance strongly emphasizes that those at highest risk (over age 60 and with chronic health conditions) not attend large gatherings. Large gatherings, if held, should provide the following: adequate space allowing 6 feet between individuals; adequate air flow; warm water and soap along with hand sanitizer stations; signage that emphasizes that ill invididuals not attend; and a process in place to manage an ill individual safely. As of March 13, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. E.S.T., Division of Public Health and Delaware Emergency Management Agency are authorized to cancel gatherings should it be deemed for necessary for public health reasons, and such cancellations shall not constitute a taking and shall not entitle the owner or organizer to just compensation.

The CDC says early data suggests that people 60 and older are twice as likely to suffer a serious illness from coronavirus disease than younger people. For seniors and people with serious chronic health conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes and cancer, the CDC recommends that they "avoid crowds as much as possible." Other suggestions:

• Stay home as much as possible and avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated space.
• Stock up on supplies, including medications, food and other household items.
• When you go out in public, including to doctor appointments or dialysis, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• Have a plan if you get sick, and communicate often with relatives, friends or neighbors.
• For more information, see the CDC's recommendations.

Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.

• Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
• Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/index.html