What is COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
“2019 Novel Coronavirus is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2).”

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and/or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

How can I treat COVID-19?

There is not an anti-viral medication or a vaccination/immunization available for COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms include:

• Fever

Am I allowed to travel?

If you are traveling internationally, please review your plans in advance of your trip. Conditions are being updated daily and travel alerts are subject to change. Learn more.

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

If you wish to be tested for COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. The Ohio Department of Health's COVID-19 Testing Map provides a list of testing sites currently in the state.

When do I need to wear a face covering?

On Wednesday, July 22, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that beginning Thursday, July 23, 2020, at 6:00 pm, citizens in all Ohio counties will be under a mandatory mask order while out in public. The full public health order for facial coverings throughout Ohio can be found here. Masks must be worn at all times when: At an indoor location that’s not a residence Outdoors, when unable to keep 6ft social distance from those not in your household When waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation -taxi, car service, private rideshare This order only requires those who are 10 years old or older to wear a mask. In addition, excluded groups include: Those with a medical condition or disability. Officiants at religious services. Those actively exercising or playing sports. Those actively involved in public safety. Those who are actively eating or drinking. Click here for a full list of mask questions and answers.

How can I prevent COVID-19?

HCPH recommends following the same general practices of good hygiene to prevent coronavirus as well as flu, colds and other illnesses:

• Sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow to keep germs from spreading
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water/use alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between
• Don’t share cups, spoons, forks, etc. with anyone
• Don’t make food for anyone if you are sick
• Don’t go to work or school if you are sick
• Visit a doctor, urgent care or emergency department if you are sick – but call first
• Those who are able to wear a face covering should do so while in public
• Please contact your medical provider with any questions.

What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get medical attention right away. If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

• Stay home except to get medical care.
• Get rest and stay hydrated.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people
• As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.

Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:

• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
  • People who are immunocompromised
  • Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40)
  • People with diabetes
  • People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • People with liver disease

What should people at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 do?

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:

• Stay home as much as possible
• Stock up on supplies
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick
• Limit close contact and wash your hands often
• Avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential travel

If I travel out of state do I have to self-quarantine for 14 days?

The Ohio Department of Health recommends that any individuals traveling into the state with the intent to stay, self-quarantine for 14 days. If you recently traveled and are having COVID-19 like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and stay home. Learn about the COVID-19 Travel Advisory - here. If you plan on traveling, be sure to check in with state or local health departments along your route and at your planned destination for current traveling guidance in those areas.