Coronavirus (COVID-19)

INTRODUCTION

The Golden Rain Foundation is working to provide on going communications and take applicable actions in the mitigation of touch surface transmission of flu virus and will continue to closely monitor this  situation in accordance  with guidance from  the authorities and ensuring plans are in place to minimize any possible GRF business disruption.

News of the new coronavirus (called 2019 Novel Coronavirus) has prompted concern about risk of transmission in the United States. Although influenza viruses and coronaviruses have similar symptoms, the risk of catching the flu in the United States remains far greater. Here’s what you need to know about the flu vs. coronaviruses.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. Older people, young children and people with certain chronic conditions (asthma, heart disease, diabetes, among others) are at increased risk for serious complications, including pneumonia. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

CORONAVIRUS

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. The most recent coronavirus, 2019 Novel Coronavirus, was first identified in Wuhan, China and is associated with mild-to-severe respiratory illness with fever and cough. At this time, the threat of contracting the virus in the United States is rated at low.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. More is being learned about this new virus every day and updates are available on the CDC website.

What are the symptoms of this coronavirus infection?

Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild-to-moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Zoonotic coronaviruses, originally from bats (e.g., MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV), can cause more severe symptoms and often progress to pneumonia.

What is the risk of this coronavirus infection spreading in the United States?

Yale New Haven Health is monitoring the progression of the virus to keep our patients and staff safe. At this time, the risk of becoming infected with this new coronavirus in the United States is low.

PREVENT INFECTION

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • 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;
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask;
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19;
  • Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workersand people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility);
  • 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 other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food;
  • Avoid nonessential travel.CDC recommends to avoid all nonessential travel to the People’s Republic of China (this does not include Hong Kong, Macau, or the island of Taiwan).

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

GET READY:

  • Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home;
  • Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins;
  • Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference. Get help accessing electronic health records;
  • Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home;
  • If a quarantine would be called for, please consider having a 2 week supply of general necessities (food, water, medications, etc.) on hand.

GET PROPER DISINFECTANTS:

Coronavirus spreads through direct contact, including person to person and person to surface to person, the CDC says. By using disinfectants on surfaces, the spread of the virus may be slowed. A disinfectant must be EPA-approved as a hospital/healthcare or broad spectrum disinfectant The Center for Biocide Chemistries has created a list of more than 100 ready-to-use, dilutable and wipeable biocidal products that the EPA has approved as effective at killing viruses like the coronavirus.

FDA Reminds Patients that Devices Claiming to Clean, Disinfect or Sanitize CPAP Machines Using Ozone Gas or UV Light

Have Not Been FDA Authorized

If you have questions about coronavirus, talk with your doctor. More information on coronavirus is available from the CDC: www.cdc.gov

Source: World Health Organization


LWer has tested positive for COVID-19
LW Live – May 27th

Dear Community Members,

We write to inform you that based on social media reports of COVID-19 case in our community, an investigation was initiated. As of Tuesday, May 26, limited information has become available through non-official resources, that it is likely that we have had COVID-19 case in the LW community. In Orange County, all positive cases are reported to the Public Health Department and the individual is given detailed instructions to follow in regards to self-quarantine. Appropriate contact tracing is also conducted by the Public Health Department when indicated. From the limited information that we have, these exact measures were carried out with any positive case in our community.

Let me emphasize that individual rights and confidentiality are protected under HIPAA laws, and neither individuals nor their physicians are required to disclose this information. We also do not have the right to ask for such information.

It is also important for us to understand that it is not possible to accurately determine how many cases we have had or will have in Leisure World. Many individuals can contract the virus and have no symptoms. Others will have mild symptoms and never get tested. The most recent public health numbers show that there have been 18 confirmed cases in Seal Beach. Leisure World makes up about one third of Seal Beach population and any positive cases in Leisure World would be included in the Seal Beach reported case counts. This total case number is very low and we continue to be very fortunate and grateful for the efforts all of us have taken to stay safe while sheltering in place. This battle is not yet over and we must stay on course with putting forth our continued efforts to stay safe.

It is important for any individual, as well as every member of our community, to seek medical attention by first calling their primary care physician if they experience fever or respiratory symptoms. Please continue to refer to LW Weekly, LW Live and www.lwsb.com  for updates and resources.

We would like remind everyone how important it is to respect this individual’s privacy as a basic human right to preserve dignity and prevent discrimination. Avoid speculation and rumors (information that has not been verified). We all play a role in keeping our community healthy. Please practice preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection:

  1. Minimize social interaction, practice social distancing, and avoid being in large groups.
  2. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, cough and sneeze into your elbow or tissue, and refrain from touching your face.
  3. If you are sick, especially with respiratory symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider if needed.
  4. Wear a mask or face covering when outside of your home if you will likely come in contact with others.

These are trying times, and as we all face new struggles of this unprecedented crisis, we are inspired by the fortitude and reliance of our remarkable community. Praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and sorrow come and go like the wind.

By collectively working together, we will overcome this disease.


Information

VIDEOS:

Clean Hands Count
COVID-19 Symptoms

ARTICLES/BLOGS

Risk Assessment & Public Health Management Decision Making

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