[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Fwd: [VWS] COVID-19 Update

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---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: "Brendan O'Neill - KM4HRR" <brendan.oneill at gmail.com>

Date: Wed, Mar 4, 2020 at 10:51 AM -0500

Subject: [VWS] COVID-19 Update

To: "VWS General Discussions" <VWS-General at googlegroups.com>










Prepared by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the Health Public Information Officers Committee in consultation with the Health Officials Committee

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health departments in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia are closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (now referred to as COVID-19) which originated in China. Area health directors and other officials have been in communication with one another and are sharing information and resources.
 

As of March 3, there are currently no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in our region. However, community spread is being detected in a growing number of countries, including the U.S.
 

For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, CDC considers the immediate risk to be low at this time.
As community spread is detected in more countries, the likelihood of community spread in the United States also increases.
Public health efforts at this time are focused on containing spread and mitigating the impact of this virus.
 

Because we are in peak cold and flu season, health officials encourage the following every day actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
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, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
 

Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We can fight stigma and support others by sharing accurate information and staying informed through reputable, trusted sources.
 

The situation is evolving. For more information, we recommend you visit the CDC and state health department web pages for the latest updates:

CDC
District of Columbia Department of Health
Maryland Department of Health
Virginia Department of Health

Jeffrey Katz 
Volunteer Liaison 
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

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