The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the outbreak of the respiratory disease coronavirus/COVD-19. The situation is evolving rapidly, so the best resource for the latest information is the CDC website. Here we will provide updated information as it relates to Pardee UNC Health Care, our preparations, as well as tips for staying healthy.
Symptoms
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems or you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19:
- Contact your primary care provider directly to set up a virtual visit and guidance. Learn more here.
- Schedule a visit at Urgent Care Fletcher.
- If you have trouble breathing or are experiencing a medical emergency, GO directly to the closest emergency department or CALL 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
For general questions, you can call the North Carolina Coronavirus Hotline at 1-866-462-3821. All residents are encouraged to continue to follow the precautions offered by the CDC to protect themselves and others from the spread of all respiratory illness, including flu and COVID-19.
What You Need to Know About Coronavirus
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- Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease, and our understanding of the virus that causes it continues to evolve. It was first detected in China and has now been detected in over 100 countries, including the United States. The virus has been named coronavirus (COVID-19). The disease is believed to have originally occurred from animal-to-person contact and spreads person-to-person.
- In this issue of UNC Health Talk, David J. Weber, MD, MPH, medical director of infection prevention at UNC Hospitals, explains the basics of the coronavirus, how it spreads, and what you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy.
- Dr. Chris Parsons, Pardee Center for Infectious Disease, dispels common myths surrounding COVID-19 in this interview with WLOS
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): lo que necesita saber- Conozca los síntomas del coronavirus (COVID-19), protegerse a usted y a su familia y qué hacer si está enfermo.
Stay Informed - Visit CDC Site
Take Preventive Actions
Everyday actions can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Protect yourself and others with these tips:
- 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 rub with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are used often, such as cellphones, door knobs, and light switches.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue.
- Avoid touching your face.
- If you do become sick, stay home and limit contact with others in your home as much as possible.
- Download our flyer for these tips!
Latest CDC Recommendation for Wearing Non-Medical Face Masks
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. (Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
FAQs about Cloth Face Coverings: Read the CDC's responses to frequently asked questions about their non-medical face mask recommendation.
CDC: How to Make a Face Covering
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams shows how to make a simple mask from items at home.
Helpful Resources
North Carolina has set up a helpline, available 24/7 and staffed by nurses and pharmacists, to answer questions about novel coronavirus/COVID-19, including symptoms, how to reduce the risk of catching it, and what to do if coronavirus is suspected. Call 866-462-3821 and press 1 for English or to ask for a language interpreter. Spanish speakers should press 2. To submit questions online, go to
http://www.ncpoisoncontrol.org
Visitor Restrictions
Due to the growing spread of coronavirus / COVID-19 in North Carolina, we are enacting stricter restrictions for visitors. Learn more.
By the Numbers: North Carolina and Globally
Additional Information
