COVID-19

The term “coronavirus” refers to a large group of viruses known to affect birds and mammals, including humans. Coronovirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. So far there is no evidence that it can spread to pets.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Remember light switches and cell phones too.

It is recommended that everyone wear a cloth mask in the public setting where social distancing may be difficult such as at the grocery store or pharmacy.

Riverwood Healthcare center is testing individuals that meet the testing criteria set by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Public Health's core functions during this time are communication, advocacy, education and ensuring needs are met. Risk communication is a core public health intervention in any disease outreach or health emergency. It refers to the exchange of information, advice and opinions between experts, officials and people who face the concerns to their well-being, to enable informed decision-making. Public Health is continually monitoring the quickly changing landscape of the pandemic to best educate our communities, our businesses and organizations. We attempt to quickly identify gaps in services and collaborate to consider how best to meet those needs.

• Stay home from work and school. Stay away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid any kind of public transportation or ride sharing. Household members should also stay home and monitor for symptoms.
• Monitor you symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider.
• Get rest and stay hydrated
• If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.
• For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify dispatch that you have or may have COVID-19.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask.
• Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, or bedding.
• Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions

People with COVID-19 or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should stay home until the follow are met:

• Fever free for at least 3 days without the use of fever reducing medications
AND
• Other symptoms have improved
AND
• At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.