COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

USPS has still not entirely resolved the issue of sending these kits to Personal Mail Boxes (PMB). However, they have created a service request system, which will enable you to receive test kits to a PMB.

If you have a PMB and would like to request the free test kits:

1. You will need to start a service request after receiving the “residential address message” (see screenshots below), and
2. In the “additional information” area, explain that your PMB is for a residence (see screenshot below).

Order Testing Kits Online: https://special.usps.com/testkits
Order over the phone: 1-800-232-0233 (if you do not have internet access)

Essential services will remain open such as:

• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
• Banks
• Laundromats/laundry services

Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.

• Dine-in restaurants
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment venues
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Public events and gatherings
• Convention Centers

The order is in effect throughout the State of California.

The state has a coronavirus response website with regularly updated information at covid19.ca.gov.

Practice social distancing. Keep a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others in public. Refrain from touching – no handshakes, hugs, or kisses.

The federal government is advising all people to stay in their homes as much as possible.

The State of California has issued a “stay at home” order. All non-essential businesses must close and non-essential employees must stay at home and can only leave for food, essential medical care, and for exercise (while maintaining a minimum of 6 feet of social distance). All restaurants must close their dining rooms and only prepare food to go or for delivery. Social distancing will be required for persons picking up food on premises.

San Diego County has banned all “non-essential personnel,” including members of the public, from entering any hospital or long-term care facility serving seniors.

Everyone is urged to stay home as much as possible.

Check your school or school district website for updated information

All schools in California are closed under the state-wide stay at home order.

• All tribal Earth Day events cancelled or postponed
• Cupa Days postponed
• Kupa Cemetery Warner Springs Gathering postponed
• All casinos closed until further notice

County Launches COVID-19 Text Message Alert System

County residents can now receive information about the novel coronavirus via text thanks to the County COVID-19 public information text message alert system.

The system allows County health officials to send real-time information about COVID-19 in the region. To sign up to receive the messages, text COSD COVID19 to 468-311.

Text COSD COVID19 to 468-311

The system was set up to let County public health officials issue information and instructions on changes related to COVID-19 in the region. FULL ARTICLE

A new respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) type of coronavirus has been spreading around the world, including the United States, since it was first detected in Wuhan City in China. The virus is being referred to in the media as the coronavirus. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019,” abbreviated COVID-19.

It is important to understand that coronaviruses are part of a large family of viruses that are commonly found in many species of animals. Not all coronaviruses cause disease in humans, and even when they do, that disease is minor (for example, some coronaviruses are responsible for the common cold). Sometimes, viruses found in animals can infect people and then spread from person to person. This is what seems to have happened with COVID-19.

COVID-19 has now been confirmed in several states, including California, with some patients appearing to have contracted the disease from community spread (that is, the patient got the virus from an unknown person in the community, rather than from a person known to have traveled to an area experiencing an outbreak).

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for more information on the current status of COVID-19 in the United States. The County of San Diego is also providing information about the local response.

While the desire for testing is understandable, people who are not sick do not need to be tested. If you are sick and experiencing symptoms that you would not normally feel the need to see a doctor about, you should stay home until you are no longer sick. If you are sick enough to consult a doctor, call them to let them know before you come in so they can take appropriate precautions.

The CDC and the California Department of Public Health have issued guidance regarding who should be tested:

• People returning from an impacted country who develop symptoms.
• People who have had contact with someone who tested positive with COVID-19.
• People who are experiencing severe respiratory illness.

Testing does not affect treatment as there is no treatment for COVID-19, except supportive care, such as fever or cough medications. Testing is used to help with very sick patients who are hospitalized.

Symptoms and Severity

COVID-19 causes a respiratory illness much like influenza (“the flu”). It is important to understand that it can cause a range of illness from mild to severe, with 80% of those infected experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. Symptoms can include:

• Fever (88%)
• Dry cough (68%)
• Fatigue (38%)
• Coughing up sputum, or thick phlegm, from the lungs (33%)
• Shortness of breath (19%)
• Aching bones/joints (15%)
• Sore throat (14%)
• Headache (14%)
• Chills (11%)
• Nausea or vomiting (5%)
• Stuffy nose (5%)
• Diarrhea (4%)

Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Again, most infections will cause mild to moderate symptoms, but severe cases can potentially result in death. The fatality rate is uncertain at this time, but appears to average around 2-3% of cases. Fatalities are more likely to occur in more vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

People who think they have or have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Prevention & Treatment

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. This is true for all viral diseases. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• 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.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at home as much as you can. If you are in public, avoid close contact by maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more between yourself and others. Actively avoid people who appear to be 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. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing 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. You should also wear a facemask if you are the caregiver for someone who is infected.

Treatment

The treatment for COVID-19 is the same as for other respiratory diseases such as colds and the flu: rest, fluids, and supportive care to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. At this time there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

Preparedness

It is very important not to panic! The COVID-19 outbreak is serious and spreading globally, but remember that the vast majority of cases are mild to moderate. Common-sense precautions can protect you and your family. However, as authorities work on containing the spread of the virus, there may be disruptions to your regular routine. It is possible that some schools, workplaces, and public facilities could be shut down or restricted if a localized outbreak does occur. If you don’t have one already, consider preparing a family emergency plan. Steps to take include:

• • • Get information from reliable sources (CDC is an excellent resource). Do not rely on unverified information from the internet. Bookmark the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency website for updated information.
    • Get a flu shot. This will not protect you from COVID-19, but getting the flu could weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to other infections.
    • Wash your hands.
    • Have a sensible supply of non-perishable foods.
    • Have at least a 30-day supply of essential prescription medications.
    • Keep over-the-counter symptom remedies on-hand:
      • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever
      • Decongestants
      • Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
    • Have a reasonable supply of essential household items such as laundry detergent, diapers, and pet food.
    • Contact your children’s school to learn how they plan to respond if there is a local outbreak.
      • Schools may close, so plan for alternative childcare if necessary.
    • Talk to your employer to see if they have plans for implementing telework or other work options in the event of a local outbreak.

Handwashing

Most people don’t know how to correctly and thoroughly wash their hands. Follow these steps:

• • 1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), and apply soap.
    2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
    3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Count slowly to 20 or hum “Happy Birthday” from beginning to end twice.
    4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
    5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or allow them to air dry.

Use a hand sanitizer when you can’t use soap and water, but don’t rely on them. Hand sanitizers are not effective on all types of germs, and may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Fact Sheet

Print and share the CDC Fact Sheet, Wash Your Hands Fact Sheet 508.pdf (735kb).

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is sharing guidance on the disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 (coronavirus), which can be accessed by viewing the attached document. The guidance provides information on COVID-19, disinfection for COVID-19, and prevention measures. In addition, the California Department of Public Health has industry-specific guidance documents available on their website, which can be found here.

DEH will continue to send updates as information is provided. Additionally, please visit the following link for information on COVID-19, which includes local updates, prevention, and resources: www.coronavirus-sd.com

Coronavirus General Disinfection Guidance.pdf

If you are having financial difficulties and are struggling with food insecurity due to the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit the San Diego Food Bank, Feeding San Diego, or the SCTCA’s Food Distribution Program.

CDC’s Dr. Henry Walke answers common questions about COVID-19.

Transcript: https://www.cdc.gov/socialmedia/videos/covid-19/Transcript_Henry_Walke_QA.pdf (.pdf)

Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with our comment policy: https://www.cdc.gov/SocialMedia/Tools/CommentPolicy.html

This video can also be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/video/socialmedia/320978_FacebookCovidShow.mp4

The Ad Council in partnership with the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), developed PSAs to inform Americans about the steps they can take to protect themselves to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Together, we can help slow the spread.

CDC’s Dr. Nancy Messonnier recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Jay Butler, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases at CDC, describes preventative measures to help protect older adults from COVID-19. Read more about these tips on People at Higher Risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. Coronavirus Disease 2019 is a new disease never seen before in humans. It is different from other human coronaviruses that cause the common cold.

CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: Avoid close contact with people who are sick; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth; wash hand with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

Take steps to lower your risk of getting sick with COVID-19. Here are some things you should do.