.png){kind=logo}
Being Prepared for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Although much still isn’t known about the 2019 Coronavirus the CDC is able to use its knowledge based on similar coronaviruses they have dealt with in the past to keep the public informed and hopefully prepared. Here is what we currently know. Similar to the spread of other coronaviruses such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV the disease surfaced in animals transferring to humans. The virus started in China from person-to-person contact and has since spread to other countries including the US. To stay up to date on the current states/communities infected you can click here.
New Mexico Department of Health have also started a website for public information on the disease releasing data tracking the testing as well as the results of COVID-19 testing. And have been releasing weekly updates.
Both the New Mexico Department of Health and the CDC advise that if anyone think they may be infected with COVID-19 OR have the following symptoms to seek medical treatment. And to call
NMDOH: (505) 827-0006
Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness and may show up after 2-14 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
How to prevent the spread of illness
Here are a few things we can do in our everyday lives to prevent infection.
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home if you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently
Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Encourage sick employees to stay home
- Separate sick employees
- Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene
- Perform routine environmental cleaning.
Photo Credit: CDC