SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 stands for Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Recommended Safety Precaution Measures

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, meaning it is transmitted between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The following are guidelines to decrease your chances of exposure and to reduce the spread of the virus.

• Stay at Home to Prevent Exposure to COVID-19 :
  •  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), and Coconino County Health and Human Services Department have all issued recommendations for individuals and families to stay at home as much as possible, which means limiting trips out for essential needs (i.e. groceries, medical supplies, and basic necessities).

• Social Distancing :
  • Social distancing is a public health strategy to reduce the spread of illness by deliberately increasing physical distance between people. Avoid close contact with others by staying at least six (6) feet away from others. Stay home if you are feeling sick.

• Follow Good Hygiene Practices :
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) and immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Symptoms and Severity of the Coronavirus (COVID-19):

Illness can be severe and require hospitalization, but most individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications. These symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure and can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath;

Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty getting enough air
• Chest pain
• Change in alertness or responsiveness
• Bluish lips or face
• Rapid breathing

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, including early or mild symptoms, you should be in isolation and stay away from others until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
• Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) AND
• At least 7 days have passed since your specimen was collected

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 and are not tested or tested negative, including early or mild symptoms, you should be in isolation and stay away from others until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) AND
• Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Resources