March 2020

Coronavirus Update and the District's Preparedness

Dear Neighbors,

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause
respiratory illness ranging from the common cold to more severe
diseases. Coronavirus Disease 2019, also referred to as [1]COVID-19, is a
new respiratory virus that emerged last December and originated in Wuhan,
Hubei Province, China. The disease has since spread to several countries
and has been detected in [2]several states. The emergence of this new virus
is certainly alarming and it is understandable that many are fearful for
their own safety and that of their families. But, it is important to
remember that our fear should not reduce us to panic and it should
certainly not become a tool of stigmatization or discrimination against our
Asian American neighbors and business owners. There are preparations and
precautions that we can all make to help reduce our risk and exposure to
this new virus, and I hope that you'll find the resources below to be
helpful.

Prevention - There are more than twenty COVID-19 vaccines currently in
development, but they are unlikely to be ready for the market before the
end of this current outbreak. In the meantime, residents should practice
the following:
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
* Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
* Wash your hands often and vigorously with soap and water for at least
20 seconds
* Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are
sick

Does wearing a face mask offer me greater protection? No, the CDC does not
recommend wearing a face mask as a means to protect against infectious
respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. The CDC recommends that face
masks be primarily used by healthcare professionals, caregivers, and people
who already display symptoms of COVID-19 in order to help prevent the
spread of the disease to others.

It is believed that COVID-19 is spread from among people who are in close
contact with one another and that symptoms appear anywhere from 2-14 days
after initial exposure. What we know from other coronaviruses, such as SARS
and MERS, transmission may occur via infected respiratory droplets released
from coughing or sneezing.

Preparedness - A main component of home preparedness is to ensure that if
you do exhibit COVID-19 or influenza-like symptoms, that you'll be able to
comfortably and safely remain at home during the recovery period:
* Refill your regularly prescribed medications to ensure that you have an
adequate supply
* Also make sure to have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies
on hand (pain relievers, stomach remedies, and cough and cold medicines)
* Have a thermometer, tissues, soap, and hand sanitizer available in your
home
* Stock your home with non-perishable food items and fluids with
electrolytes

DC Health and the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency are
coordinating the District's emergency response planning for the potential
impacts from the disease.

Symptoms - While medical and public health professionals continue to learn
about the various symptoms of this disease, common symptoms include:
* Fever
* Cough
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Sore throat

If you exhibit symptoms or suspect exposure to the virus - Call your
medical provider before using public transportation or visiting a
healthcare facility in person. Healthcare providers have been provided with
a 24 hour hotline number to staff at DC Health, so detailed descriptions of
your symptoms and/or suspected exposure will help best inform the next
steps undertaken by DC Health. It is also important to remember that this
is also flu season, and your symptoms may be caused by [3]influenza. If you
do exhibit symptoms, it is important to stay home until you are free of
fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours and
without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medications. If
your symptoms are extreme or urgent and you need immediate assistance, as
with any other circumstances like this, please call 911.

Travel Warnings - Travelers who have been in Hubei Province in the previous
14 days are reasonably believed to have a high risk of exposure to COVID-19
based on the scope and magnitude of the epidemic in that area. These
travelers should be managed as having high-risk exposure. [4]The [5]CDC has
issued the following travel guidance related to COVID-19:
* China — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel
* Hong Kong — Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
* Iran — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel
* Italy — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel
* Japan — Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
* South Korea — Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel

Local Resources - Below are links to websites dedicated to resources and
alerts at the state, federal, and international levels on COVID-19:
* [6]DC Health
* [7]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* [8]World Health Organization

It is important to remember that while the risk assessment of COVID-19 is
likely to change over time, most Americans and residents in the District
are currently at relatively low risk of contracting COVID-19. To date,
there have been no cases of COVID-19 in the District of Columbia (DC Health
has already monitored six patients for the virus; five have tested negative
and one is pending results). DC Health is also in constant contact with the
CDC and has been and will continue to update protocols based on CDC
recommendations. I will continue to provide updates to the community as
they become available and, in the meantime, please stay safe and take
precautions.

Regards,

Mary

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References

1. [link removed]-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it
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Mary Cheh
Mary Cheh Ward 3
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NWSuite 108
Washington, DC 20004
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