2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)

Yes. The Washington Department of Health (DOH) receives reports of travelers to Washington state who have recently traveled from or through China. Beginning February 14, DOH is sending these individuals an email and certified letter that includes instructions on how to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and what to do if they become ill.

A close contact is a person who has been within about 6 feet of a person with confirmed novel coronavirus infection for a prolonged period of time or has had direct contact with secretions from a person with confirmed novel coronavirus infection.

The definition of “close contact” used in Washington is the same as the CDC definition.

A confirmed case is defined as a person who has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus.

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others 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 before washing your hands
• Rarely, fecal contamination with coronavirus present

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to flu or colds and may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell

We have guidance available for people who have or think they may have COVID-19:

• What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF) 
• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)
• What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PDF)

There are steps people should take to reduce their risk of getting and spreading any viral respiratory infections. These include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

We are not recommending that people wear masks when they are in public.  Masks can be useful in some settings to prevent someone who has a respiratory illness from spreading it to others. That’s why we recommend that people who are sick put a mask on if they are waiting in a clinic.

CDC Travel Health Notices inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues that impact travelers’ health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, in specific international destinations. For updated CDC guidance on current travel advisories to China, visit the CDC’s Travel Health page on Novel Coronavirus in China.

Everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:

• The news of this disease outbreak is concerning to all of us, but especially impacts communities who have family or other close connections in China or the greater Asian continent. We should all do our part not to make assumptions by discriminating, spreading misinformation, or harassing individuals, families and communities that have made Washington their home. Just because a disease originates within a certain area of the world does not mean that every person who has an association with that country is ill or has the potential to contract the virus.
• It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and health officials recommend getting a flu vaccine if you haven’t done so yet, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs (staying away from others when sick, washing hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, mouth or eyes), and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
• If you are a healthcare provider caring for a novel coronavirus patient, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures.

• COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus. There are no treatments for it. Most people will recover on their own, but some people can develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.
• In Washington state, several people have tested positive for COVID-19.
• There is currently an international outbreak affecting several countries. The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is very high, both to the United States and globally.
• It is very likely that COVID-19 will spread in parts of the United States, including Washington state.
• If COVID-19 spreads in Washington state, your life may be disrupted in a variety of ways. Keep yourself and household healthy by being prepared.
• As new information emerges from across the globe, please remember that the risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality. Stigma will not help to fight the illness. Seeking and sharing accurate information during a time of heightened concern is one of the best things we can do to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading.

• Symptoms of COVID-19 primarily include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
• COVID-19 spreads 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.
• Prevention starts with practicing good personal health habits: stay home when you’re sick, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, wash your hands often with soap and water, and clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, eating healthy foods, and managing your stress may help you prevent getting COVID-19 and recover from it if you do.

• Make an emergency plan of action with your household members, relatives, and friends. Visit Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Resources for Households (on the CDC website) for more information.
• If the disease starts spreading in your area, health officials might recommend to close schools or cancel events and encourage people to work remotely to slow the spread of the disease.
• Make plans for alternative arrangements for your child or yourself in the case of a school or university dismissal or shutdown. Also make plans for your elders and your pets, as needed.
• Check in with your work about your sick leave and telework options should you need to stay home to care for a household member.
• Make a list of your emergency contacts—family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, local public health department, and community resources.
• Gather extra supplies, such as soap, tissues, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you or one of your household members have a chronic condition and regularly take prescription drugs, talk to your health provider, pharmacist, and insurance provider about keeping an emergency supply of medications at home.

• Stay informed about local COVID-19 activity through the Department of Health website: doh.wa.gov/coronavirus and be aware of any signs that people in your community are getting sick. For example, watch for school dismissals or closures.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and wash your hands often with soap or water. Don’t share personal items and clean frequently touched surfaces with soap and water.
• If you are sick, stay home. When seeking medical care, wear a facemask and keep your distance from others. If someone in your house is sick, stay home to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus to others.
• Do not attend large events, such as sporting events, conferences, or other community events if you are sick, do not feel well, or someone in your home is sick. If you aren’t sick, consider your risk of getting COVID-19 at the event before you go. 
• Discourage your children from gathering with others after school unless it is a small group. If any of the children show symptoms of COVID-19, separate them from others immediately.
• Watch your children for symptoms of COVID-19. Notify your children’s child care facility or school if they are sick and get any classroom assignments or activities they can do from home.
• Set up a separate room for sick household members. Clean the room regularly and make sure they have clean disposable facemasks to use.
• Check in with family and friends who live alone—especially those with chronic diseases. If you live alone, ask your friends and family to check in with you if you become sick.