Updated: January, 2023
For updates on Connecticut’s coronavirus guidance, vaccine/booster and testing sites, and much more, visit: ct.gov/coronavirus
WHAT IS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19, 2019-nCoV)?
The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, and is currently known as coronavirus (COVID-19), meaning it is a strain of virus not previously seen in humans. This virus presents as an upper respiratory illness with symptoms similar to the common flu and is spreading person-to-person. The virus has caused death, but cases have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness including pneumonia, depending on a variety of factors that are not yet fully known.
Omicron Variant’s – The Omicron variant, like other variants, is comprised of a number of lineages and sub-lineages. For more information on Omicron and variants, visit the CDC website: here
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19, AND WHO IS AT RISK
People with COVID-19 can have wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Some common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after being exposed to the virus.
If you have these symptoms, you should check with your healthcare provider about whether you should be tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Some people, mostly those with underlying conditions such as chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems, require hospitalization.
People with COVID-19 who are cared for at home should:
For more detailed information, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAD CLOSE CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS THE VIRUS?
Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines: Updated – 8/22
CDC is shortening the recommended time for quarantining and isolating from 10 days for people with COVID-19
For the latest CDC details regarding isolation and quarantine guidelines, visit the website here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0811-covid-guidance.html
CASES OF CORONAVIRUS IN CONNECTICUT?
For an up to date list of current cases in Connecticut, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) is providing updated information on the state and federal response to the Coronavirus, as well as resources for Connecticut schools, healthcare practitioners, municipalities and residents.
HOW IS CORONAVIRUS TRANSMITTED?
This virus can spread from person-to-person, in much the same way that cold or seasonal flu viruses spread. The virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period of time, usually 15 minutes or more. There is evidence that people can be contagious when they have no symptoms. However, people are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest. In general, the more closely a person interacts with other people, and the longer that the time a person spends around other people, the higher the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Spending time in large gathering, such as parties or other events, increases your risk of being exposed to COVID-19.
Transmission mainly occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads but we are learning more about this virus every day. This is why is it very important to wash your hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces often.
Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after being exposed to the virus.
HOW CAN I HELP PROTECT MYSELF
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus using the same protections you would use for seasonal flu and many other respiratory infections.
The best ways to prevent getting COVID-19 are to:
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Mental health issues during this time can be difficult for oneself and/or family members. For information on tips to help you cope, visit the various mental health resources below:
Coronavirus “SCAM ALERT” Warnings
The Connecticut Departments of Consumer Protection (DCP), Public Health (DPH) and the Office of the Attorney General William Tong is warning consumers that scam artists are trying to take advantage of consumers’ during heightened attention to Coronavirus. Scam artists may post, email, and text to promote false information about “cases” of the disease in your neighborhood that do not exist, and bogus prevention medication in order to obtain your personal information and your money. They also may ask you to donate to victims through a sham charity or offer “advice” about false treatments for the disease.
Residents should follow these tips to prevent falling victim to a scam artist:
Any consumers who notice one of these scams or feel they have fallen victim to a scam should report it to DCP or the Office of the Attorney General as soon as they are able using the below contact information:
Individuals that want to check on the legitimacy of a charity can go to https://www.elicense.ct.gov/. All charities must register with the state.
If someone is concerned that they may have spotted a business or offer that seems like a scam, they can go to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker site: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/.
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SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); World Health Organization; Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; Connecticut Department of Public Health; Office of Attorney General; SAMSHA
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: January2023