LIVE BLOG: The latest updates on the coronavirus
The Post staff will be updating this blog with the latest information and news on the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, that first appeared in Wuhan, China, and has now spread to multiple countries.
The city of Long Beach has set up a webpage with information and resources about the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Follow the latest updates on social media using #COVID19LongBeach.
If individuals have additional questions, or do not have access to online resources, they should call the City’s COVID-19 Information Line at 562-570-INFO (4636), between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
PREVENTION
- Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Stay home if you or household members are sick. If you feel ill but must go out in public, use a face mask to reduce the likelihood of viral transmission.
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, bannisters, and countertops. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.
SYMPTOMS
People should suspect that they might have COVID-19 if they are experiencing fever, cough and/or shortness of breath. These symptoms, however, are also symptoms of other illnesses. For example, the nation is still in the middle of a flu epidemic, and fever and cough are also symptoms of flu. It is most likely that you have flu or other respiratory illness. So, it is important to pay attention to symptoms but to also know they will not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If you have fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, call your doctor. Do not just show up; it is very important to call first. Most doctors’ offices will have ways to isolate someone who potentially has COVID-19. Your doctor’s office will likely ask screening questions on the phone and will provide instructions about what to do when you arrive.
If you do not have medical insurance or have other questions, call the Long Beach information line: 562-570-4636.
COULD A RUNNY NOSE AND SNIFFLES BE CORONAVIRUS?
A runny nose or nasal congestion would not be likely to be COVID-19.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you put on a face mask before you enter your doctor’s office or other health care facility. Your doctor or health care provider would likely test for flu first, because the country is in the middle of a flu epidemic. If the flu test is negative then you will be tested for COVID-19, especially if you have risk factors. That would include having traveled to a country or area of the U.S. with sustained person-to-person transmission, or having been in contact with someone with COVID-19. This likely will change as soon as COVID-19 tests are more available – at that time everyone with a fever and cough will be tested.
Current understanding is #covid19 spreads mostly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu spreads. Learn more at https://t.co/TqiKAWqYJu. pic.twitter.com/S537okD3Jl
— CDC (@CDCgov) March 7, 2020
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