Coronavirus (COVID-19) Brenda Weis, Health Administrator Michel - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Montgomery County Board of Commissioners: Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence, Vice Chair Joseph C. Gale, Commissioner

Brenda Weis, Health Administrator Michel Masters, Director, Communicable Disease

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Office of Public Health

Coronavirus - Background

 Novel Coronavirus is a new virus, part of a large

family of viruses, some causing illness in people

 Began in Wuhan, China in December 2019, but is

now spreading worldwide

 Possible origin of virus a large seafood and animal

market, suggesting animal-to-person spread

 More than 70 countries with confirmed cases of

disease, more likely to occur in coming weeks and months

Symptoms

 Symptoms range from

mild to severe, and can include death

 Symptoms appear as

few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to virus

 People can spread

disease before their symptoms appear

China or a country with a travel restrictions

Transmission

 Similar to other respiratory illnesses like Influenza

 Person to Person

 People who are close contacts with one another  Respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs and

sneezes

 Pets can become infected and spread disease

 Possible spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

 Virus can remain on surfaces from hours to days

Diagnosis and Treatment

 If you have symptoms of respiratory illness or fever

that require hospitalization or medical care, your doctor or hospital may collect samples for testing

 State of Pennsylvania Bureau of Laboratories (BOL)

has the ability to conduct testing, although testing results will need to be verified by CDC testing as well

 Montco will follow-up with cases confirmed by the BOL

even if they are not yet verified by CDC

 Currently is no vaccine to prevent spread of illness  Currently is no treatment other than supportive care

(e.g., over the counter medications, hydration)

Prevention

 Best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to

the virus

 Avoid close contact with people who are sick  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth  Stay home when you are sick  Cover your cough with a tissue or shirt sleeve/elbow crease  Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and

surfaces (no need to wear gloves in public)

 Masks are reserved for healthcare professionals and

very sick individuals (prevent their spreading disease)

 Remember: COVER, CLEAN, WASH, and CONTAIN

COVER: Your Cough

 Cover your nose your nose and mouth with a tissue if

you cough or sneeze

 Use the nearest trash to dispose of tissue after use  If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your

elbow

 Wash your hands after handling tissues or coughing

CLEAN: Surfaces

Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

 How to use cleaners and

disinfectant?

 Read the label

 Instructions to prepare the product  How to apply the product correctly  Precautions you should take when

applying

 How long you need to leave the

product on a surface (contact time)

 Is the product safe for the surface?

WASH: Your Hands Often

Wash your hands often with soap and water If not readily available, then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

 Wet hands with running water, turn

• ff tap and apply soap

 Lather hands  Scrub for 20 seconds  Rinse hands  Dry using clean towel or air dry

CONTAIN: Stay Home When Sick

 If you are sick, limit activities outside your home

 Do no go to work, school, or public areas  Separate yourself from other people and animals in

your home

 If you need medical care, call ahead before visiting

your doctor or a health care facility

 Some health plans have virtual doctor’s visits

Travel Restrictions

Temporary travel restrictions have been implemented by CDC for countries with high community spread to increase the ability to detect the virus and limit the spread into the United States.

 CDC determines travel restrictions and keeps country informed

Levels:

 Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel

 China, Iran, South Korea, Italy

 Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions

 Japan

 Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions

 Hong Kong

 Check CDC’s website for updated info on travel restrictions:

CDC and PADOH Response

 Coordinate federal and states response  Guidelines for health professionals to follow  Travel restrictions  Database to track individuals  Materials for outreach and education  Preparing as if it were the next pandemic

Montgomery County Response

 Respond to ill and at-risk individuals to prevent disease

 Follow up by phone or email with individuals are ill or at risk  Provide guidelines for isolation and quarantine for persons

who are ill

 Monitor individuals for symptoms  Communicate information for personal care and hygiene,

monitoring, and preventing spread of disease

 Prevent Community Spread

 Coordinate with other county offices for a unified approach

and response to community issues

 Share information about prevention and spread with the public  Initiate closures, isolation, and quarantine, as needed

Montgomery County Responses

 Reaching out to special populations

 Elderly and Seniors  Children and Daycare  Residents with ESL (English as Second Language)  Others: persons who are un- or under-insured, who are

unable to take time from work, who manage shelters or daycare facilities, or who are housing unstable

 Supplies

 Masks  Thermometers  Hand Sanitizer

Preparing for Coronavirus

 Create a Home Emergency Kit

 Non-perishable food (cans, bottles, dried foods)  Medications  Thermometer  First Aid Kit  Baby Supplies  Pet Supplies

Interim Guidance: K-12 No Cases

 Collaborate and coordinate with OPH  Review, update, and implement emergency operations

plans

 Develop information-sharing systems  Monitor and plan for absenteeism  Establish procedures for students and staff who are sick

at school

 Perform routine environmental cleaning  Create communication plans used with the school

community

 Review CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers

Interim Guidance: K-12 with Cases

 Consider temporary school dismissals and policy  Plan for communicating possible COVID-19

exposure and illness

 Policy for students and staff to return to school if

exposed or ill

For More Information

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  PA Dept of Health: