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, state, 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 and home health care providers regarding proper protection procedures.
• We are holding frequent calls with staff and our state and health care provider partners to stay up to date with the latest updates.
• We are 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

• Individuals 60 years of age and older.
• Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease.
• Individuals who are immunocompromised or have medical needs.
• Individuals with access or functional needs.
• Individuals who are homeless or experience housing instability.

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 :

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

• If you experience all three symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), call your health care provider before you go in-person to the clinic or doctor's office.
• 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 COVID-19 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 groups 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that Americans should brace for the likelihood that the virus will continue to spread in the U.S.
• To help protect those who are most vulnerable, adhere to the CDC recommendations for social distancing (6 to 10 feet away from one another) and cancel or reschedule unnecessary travel, gatherings, and community engagement.
• If you are worried, self-monitor for symptoms. As soon as you experience all three symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), call your health care provider.
• More information is available at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/vulnerable-populations.html.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot water. If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer until you can wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your face or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow, and if you use a tissue, throw it away immediately.
• If you are sick, stay home.
• Check the Division of Public Health (DPH) website for updates: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/what-delawareans-can-do.html.

• CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in many states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase chances of getting COVID-19, if there are other travelers with coronavirus infection. There are several things you should consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel.
• Check the CDC website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.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.
• Check the CDC website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should immediately call ahead to their health care provider before visiting a clinic, doctor�s office, or hospital in person

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.

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).

• The CDC recommends social distancing (maintaining 6 to 10 feet away from one another), and cancelling or rescheduling unnecessary appointments, travel, and events.
• Self-monitor for developing symptoms such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. If you develop those three symptoms, self-isolate and call your health care provider before going in-person to the clinic or office. 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 50 people or more. CDC event guidance strongly emphasizes that those at highest risk (over age 60 and with chronic health conditions) not attend gatherings. 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 individuals 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 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