Coos Co. Report – Coronavirus – COVID-19 Outbreak, March 2

The Public Health Division at Coos Health & Wellness understands that our community may be concerned about recent news reports related to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (otherwise known as COVID-19) outbreak and the announcement of Oregon’s first confirmed case. We would like to provide an update to our situation locally and in the State of Oregon. Background – As you may know, COVID-19 originated from an animal source in Wuhan, China. It has since spread to other countries, including the United States. On February 28th, the Oregon Health Authority announced the first case of what seems to be community transmission of COVID-19 in Washington County. In this context, “community transmission” means that this case did not fit the risk categories being used in regards to travel or contact with a known case, and public health officials are working to understand how they were infected. Symptoms and transmission – According to the current Oregon Health Authority investigative guidelines for the disease, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness for which “symptoms include fever, dry cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, and fatigue. Fever may not be present in the very young, very old, immunosuppressed, or people taking medication that reduces fever”. Person-to-person transmission is primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as is the case with influenza – aka the flu.  Prevention steps – There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. According to the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, below are everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases including COVID-19: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Cover your cough or sneeze, then immediately throw any used tissues in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).  What if I have symptoms? If you have flu-like symptoms and need non-life threatening medical attention, call your healthcare provider for guidance as to next steps rather than showing up at the facility. What is Public Health doing in Coos County? Even though the risk of COVID-19 in Coos County is low at this time, the Public Health division has been working hard to ensure our community is prepared and protected. Below are some of the steps we have taken: Maintain situational awareness in the county, the State of Oregon and the US; Work with our local health care system, first responders, the Port of Entry, and the US Coastguard to ensure the readiness of our community locally. Currently expanding this to include schools, churches, businesses, and other partners; Work with the Oregon Health Authority on latest guidance regarding disease surveillance and investigation; Assess inventory for protective equipment for healthcare professionals and first responders in the community; Develop specific COVID-19 patient-handling protocols and preparedness plans; Communicate with the media and the public about recommended prevention steps to protect themselves and loved ones. If you are looking for more information about this ever-changing situation and for the latest CDC and Oregon Health Authority updates and guidance, please check the Coos Health & Wellness website at https://cooshealthandwellness.org/ and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. In the meantime, we will be providing you with any new information as soon as we get it. Also, do not hesitate to give us a call with concerns and questions at 541.266.6700.