Update on Coronavirus
Dear Member,
Due to the recent developments regarding the Coronavirus we have compiled this most up to date recommendations.
As you probably know, recently, a new coronavirus - 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus - was detected in China that has not been previously found in humans. This coronavirus can lead to fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are thousands of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside of Wuhan and additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more about this virus. No one has been diagnosed with this new coronavirus in New York State.
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment in person.
The 2019 novel coronavirus is a new virus and shouldn’t be confused with other coronaviruses that have been around for many years causing upper respiratory symptoms, like the common cold. If a routine test ordered by your health care provider and done at a local hospital or lab, is positive for coronavirus, that means that you have one of the common coronaviruses. The only way to test for 2019 novel coronavirus is through specialized testing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are unsure which kind of virus you are being tested for or what the result means, be sure to ask your health care provider. This is a rapidly changing situation. Please regularly check this site and the CDC’s Novel Coronavirus webpage for updates.
Watch Level 3
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following destinations:
Watch Level 2
These destinations are experiencing sustained community transmission of respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus can spread from person to person. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel.
Watch Level 1
CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to the following destinations. Travelers should practice usual precautions.
Other Destinations with Apparent Community Spread
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam
Community Spread means people have been infected with the virus, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. At this time, the extent of virus spread is not sustained or widespread enough to meet the criteria for a travel health notice.
Today, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, cautioned Americans to prepare for disruptions to their daily lives, including school closings, working from home and delayed elective medical procedures, as efforts to contain and control the possible spread in the U.S. may accelerate in the coming weeks.
"We should all be dusting off our pandemic preparedness plans and rehearse them very quickly," Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, said. "The core concept is social distancing."
This means that business leaders, for example, should start considering who can work from home. Perhaps the time will come, experts said, to observe religious practices and ceremony at home, rather than larger community gatherings at places of worship. And families should start asking themselves how they would handle a week or two at home, without traveling for food, medicine or entertainment.
Currently multiple companies including Gilead is working on a vaccine against the coronavirus and human trials are set to start within 6 weeks’ time.
For now, we recommend that everyone follow everyday prevention practices:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Three (3) feet between you and someone who is coughing or sneezing is considered a safe distance.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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 readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Stay home when you are sick.
People over 65 or those with chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should make sure they are up to date with their pneumonia vaccines.
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.
We will continue to keep you apprised of any recommendations as they come in. For now, remember, there are no cases in New York that have been confirmed and the risk is still minimal.
Best in Health,
Flatiron Family Medical