CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) Page last updated 03/04/20
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) OVERVIEW
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization named the disease coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated COVID-19. COVID-19 illnesses, most of them associated with travel from Wuhan, also are being reported in a growing number of international locations, including the United States. Imported cases of COVID-19 in travelers have been detected in the U.S. Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 also has been seen among close contracts of returned travelers from Wuhan, but at this time, this virus is NOT currently spreading in the community in the United States. There are no confirmed cases in Connecticut at this time.
In Connecticut and throughout the world, influenza (flu) activity is high. Unless you have traveled to or from Wuhan, China, or been in close contact with a confirmed infected person for a prolonged period of time, it is likely that symptoms you experience are caused by the flu. The CDC encourages all people aged 6 months and older to be vaccinated. It is not too late to get vaccinated for the flu. Check with your healthcare provider, call your local health department, or visit the HealthMap Vaccine Finder (adults) for availability of flu vaccinations.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Person-to-person spread of the virus is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Much is still unknown about how the virus spreads. Take these everyday preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use 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.
- Information on the 2019-nCoV for K-12 Schools (02/06/20)
- Healthcare Supply Chain memo (02/06/20)
- Change to the List of Reportable Diseases, Emergency Illnesses and Health Conditions and the List of Reportable Laboratory Findings (02/05/20)
- Health Care Coalition Guidance
HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER RESOURCES
-
Healthcare Professionals
- Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with 2019-nCoV
- Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation (PUI)
- Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed 2019-nCoV or Persons Under Investigation for 2019-nCoV in a Healthcare Setting
- Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed 2019-nCoV Infection
- Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus Toolkit: Planning documents for patients requiring Airborne Isolation + Contact Isolation + Eye Protection (01/29/20)
- Checklists/Forms
- EMS Infectious Disease Playbook (HHS/ASPR)
- Interim Guidance for EMS Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points for COVID-19 in the US
PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER RESOURCES
- Information on the 2019-nCoV for K-12 Schools (02/06/20)
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to COVID-19
- Preparing for Infectious Disease: Department of Education Recommendations to Ensure the Continuity of Teaching and Learning for Schools (K-12) During Extended Student Absence or School Dismissal
- Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools: Infectious Disease Planning
- Basic Components of Pandemic Planning
- Commissioner Beth Bye's Memo to Providers of Services to Young Children - English Spanish
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to COVID-19
- Preventing Infectious Diseases in Child Care Settings presentation
- Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES
- Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut's Public Health Lab Approved to Run Diagnostic Testing for Coronavirus (02/28/20)
- Governor Lamont Announces Second Connecticut Patient Tests for Coronavirus (01/31/20)
- Governor Lamont Tells Residents State Closely Monitoring For Possible Cases of Coronavirus (01/27/20)
- CDC's Latest New Releases
- CDC HAN Alerts
- CDC Fact Sheets
- COVID-19 Check and Record Everyday (CARE) Booklet - English Chinese
U.S. Department of Health &Human Services (HHS):