COVID-19, commonly known as the Coronavirus disease was first detected in Wuhan, China but is now present all over the world. There is a lot of misinformation about this illness, we would like to take this opportunity to confirm the facts and answer some of the questions you may have.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) has produced the following guidelines;

• 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.
• 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.

Should you wear a facemask?

The 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).

When should you get tested for the Coronavirus and how would you go about getting tested?

According to the CDC (Center for Disease and Control), “Call your healthcare professional if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.”

Who will pay for the Coronavirus testing?

On March 4, 2020 Vice President Michael Pence said that because the Department of Health and Human Services has designated the coronavirus test as an “essential health benefit,” Americans with health insurance will not have to worry about paying out of pocket to be tested for coronavirus. He added “It will be covered by private insurance and Medicare/Medicaid.”

For complete information from the CDC you can go to www.cdc.gov

We hope this information has been of use to you.