Frequently Asked Questions
The headquarters and warehouses have been shut down. Hospitals are scrambling around for equipment and beds. With many people being forced to stay at home, people working in grocery stores and retail stores are now essential workers.
The crisis has given rise to uncertainty about what used to be worldly tasks for many people: is this doorknob safe to touch? Can I go to the gym or do my own laundry? Can I please hug my grandparents?
We know you've got concerns about remaining alive, what to do if you've lost your work, what's happened to your retirement savings, which companies are still running, and why.
About CoronaVirus (Covid-19)
Q: What is 2019 novel coronavirus?
A: 2019 novel (new) coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Q: Why is COVID-19 such a big deal? Isn’t this like the flu?
A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
This risk to specific populations means that the CDC and ISDH are asking individuals to practice everyday precautions to protect high-risk individuals. This includes staying home when sick, practicing effective handwashing, disinfecting common areas often and avoiding large gatherings.
Q: Why is COVID-19 such a big deal? Isn’t this like the flu?
A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
This risk to specific populations means that the CDC and ISDH are asking individuals to practice everyday precautions to protect high-risk individuals. This includes staying home when sick, practicing effective handwashing, disinfecting common areas often and avoiding large gatherings.
Q: How is the virus spread?
Q: Is 2019-nCoV the same as the MERS-CoV or SARS virus?
Q: How long can the virus survive on surfaces?
Q: What is the normal course of the illness?
Prevention from CoronaVirus (Covid-19)
Q: How can I help protect myself?
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
– If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick
– Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
– Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
– If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
– Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
Q: I want to know who is currently sick with COVID-19, and where these individuals are located, so that I can protect myself and my loved ones.
What cleaning agents should be used?
Q: I believe that my food been exposed to COVID-19. Does it need to be thrown out?
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.
