Promoting Good Hygiene to Austin Businesses- Coronavirus
COVID-19
Austin Public Health continues to monitor an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
While the US has declared this a public health emergency, based on current information, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general American public is considered low at this time.
How does it spread?
Prevention
The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu:
Coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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
Symptoms
Patients with confirmed infection have had mild to severe respiratory illness
with symptoms of:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
For more information, please visit:
www.DSHS.Texas.gov/Coronavirus/
If you are experiencing these symptoms AND have traveled from China within 14 days of symptom onset, contact your health care provider.
Be sure to call ahead before going to your doctor’s office or emergency department to prevent any potential spread.
2/14/2020 9:30am
Details
February 25, 2020
Austin Public Health