Introduction
With the recent Coronavirus pandemic, many in our community are concerned. In addition to what we are doing to limit the spread, we have also compiled a list of resources for you on the topic. Please check back regularly for updates.
COVID-19 Facts
Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that typically cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the majority of coronaviruses cause minor respiratory illness, similar to the common cold. The current coronavirus that has spread across the world is actually caused by SARS-CoV-2 (or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) that is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China. About 4 out of 5 recover from the illness without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness as a result of this infection. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
At this time, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation for future use. Those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
.You can find more information at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019
Most common Coronavirus symptoms
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Pneumonia
- Difficulty breathing
How to Protect Yourself
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
WHO video on hand washing https://youtu.be/3PmVJQUCm4E
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Be mindful of where you are putting your hands. Hands touch many surfaces throughout the day and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, your hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
What to do if you have symptoms (from the CDC)
- Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
- Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Avoid public areas and public transportation.
- Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Wear a facemask if you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
National/International Coronavirus resources & citations
- Centers for Disease Prevention and Control on COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
- World Health Organization on Coronavirus https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
What our office is doing
With the recent Coronavirus pandemic, many in our Cerritos community are concerned. In addition to what we are doing to limit the spread, we have also compiled a list of resources for you on the topic. Please check back for updates.
- Increased freequency of surface sanitzation
- Increased frequency of hand washing by all employees (including our Audiologist) at Fidelity Hearing Center.
- A no-symptom policy on attendance. Employees are required to stay home if they feel ill.
Local Resources
California Department of Health COVID-19 updates https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
Cerritos College Coronavirus Updates https://www.cerritos.edu/shs/covid-19.htm
City of Cerritos website http://www.cerritos.us/index.php
State of California's Employment Development Department on Coronavirus https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
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