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COVID-19

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)? 

COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus that causes a flu-like illness. Like the flu virus, it is thought to be spread person-to-person by close contact (within 6 feet) and by coughing or sneezing. Other possible routes of transmission, such as touching surfaces contaminated by the virus, are also being investigated.

Like the flu, COVID-19 can cause illness that ranges from mild to severe, with symptoms of fever, coughing, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

Information Source: Mississippi Department of Health (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Retrieved from  

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

*This list does not include all possible symptoms. For the most up to date list of symptoms, please visit

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Preparedness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
  • 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
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

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Everyone should

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • It’s especially important to wash:
    • Before eating or preparing food
    • Before touching your face
    • After using the restroom
    • After leaving a public place
    • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • After handling your cloth face covering
    • After changing a diaper
    • After caring for someone sick
    • After touching animals or pets
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Resource Link:

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website at

Information Source: Center for Disease Control (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Prevention and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Avoid close contact

  • Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
  • Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

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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.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • 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.
  • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Resource Link:

Mississippi State Department of Health Facebook Updates on COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi

Helpful Links

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE

World Health Organization- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Mississippi State Department of Health - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)