Coronavirus (COVID-19 ) is a new virus that has not been previously found in humans. The virus can cause either mild illness, such as a cold, or can make people sick with pneumonia. This new virus was first detected in China and is now spreading worldwide including in the United States. As the virus rapidly spreads, here are some important resources, courtesy of the Rockland County Health Department.
For Healthcare Providers
To report a person under investigation (PUI) for this infection, immediately contact the Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) Center for Disease Prevention & Control at (845) 364-2997 between 8a – 5p Monday through Friday, & at (845) 364-8600 during after-hours & on weekends. See the links below for clinical guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19/hcp/infection-control.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19/hcp/clinical-criteria.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19/lab/guidelines-clinical-specimens.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19/hcp/preparedness-checklists.html
- Attention_all_visitors_Notification_NYSDOH.pdf
- Testing, quarantine, and isolation guidance from the NYSDOH
For Residents
- For up-to-date information and positive case counter, visit the New York State Department of Health
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- For more information on CDC health related travel notices
- Visit the CDC’s Resources For Home webpage: plan, prepare, and respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019, to learn how to get your household ready for Coronavirus (COVID-2019), FAQs for individuals and families, cleaning and disinfection, and what to do if someone is sick in your home.
- If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
For Child Care Providers and School Administrators
- NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Care Services (OCFS) important information for Child Care Providers and guidance on Community-Based-Visits-and-Visitor-Screeningopens a pdf file
- CDC’s Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) interim guidance for administrators of childcare programs and K-12 schools is posted at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html. The guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease and will be updated as needed and as additional information becomes available.
- New York State Department of Health Coronovirus webpage contains information for Child Care Providers and Schools at the bottom of the webpage.
- University of the State of New York – New York State Education Department provides information and guidance for schools on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Symptoms
Information to date suggests that COVID-19 causes mild-to-moderate illness and flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can cause complications such as pneumonia.
Prevention
Take the same precautions that you would to prevent the spread of germs:
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick and contact your medical provider before visiting their office.
- Avoid shaking hands.
