COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This is a new virus that hasn't caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of human infections, casing illness and sometimes death. As the virus continues to spread, there have been cases reported in least 100 countries, including the United States.

The risk to Montgomery County residents is elevated.  In Maryland, there have been more than 700 cases, with more than 30 percent of them in Montgomery County.  While some cases are related to international travel, many new cases are related to community spread, meaning people catch it from each other while going about their daily lives.  The number of cases cases are increasing across the DMV and Maryland.  We do not know the exact course of the virus. For an updated case count in Maryland, visit the COVID-19 case count dashboard.  Data is updated daily.

Anyone can become sick with COVID-19.  The majority of  individuals in Montgomery County with COVID-19 have experienced mild to moderate symptoms. Currently, people who are most at risk for complications are:

• Older adults (those over 60 years old)
• Those with serious underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease

If you are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19, you should:

• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• Limit your interactions to people living in your own household.
• Avoid going out in public unless it is absolutely necessary, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and nonessential air travel.
• Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Vulnerable populations include people who are:

• 60 years old and older.
• People with certain chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
• See additional recommendations. 

COVID-19 is spread through:

• coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

Most people recover from this infection. Close to 80 percent will have mild or moderate symptoms. Ill people may be advised to recover at home and isolate themselves from others. These individuals should call their physician or clinic if their symptoms worsen. There is also no specific medicine currently to treat COVID-19 because it is a new disease. 

Some COVID-19 infections can lead to serious illness, and in some cases death. If someone has a more serious illness from COVID-19, they may be admitted to the hospital. Older people and those with pre-existing medical problems have a greater risk for serious illness. Examples of pre-existing medical problems are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, COPD and other conditions that impact our immune system's ability to fight germs.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is very important for everyone to take serious precautions.  Staying home and practicing social distancing as much as possible is critical to stopping the spread of the illness.  There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.  Therefore, it is important to take preventative steps to slow the spread of the illness.

• Anyone who can telework should do so.
• Limit trips outside the home to essential travel only, and be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who is not a member of your household.
• Avoid gathering in groups.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home except to get medical care.  Inform your supervisor of any illness.

 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your health care provider immediately, and follow their instructions.  After assessing your symptoms, they will determine if diagnostic testing is appropriate.  If your symptoms are mild, they may instruct you to self-isolate.

If you are instructed to self-isolate:

• Separate yourself from other people in your home.
• When possible, limit contact with pets & animals.
• Stay home for 7 days following the start of symptoms AND 72 hours with no fever without any use of fever-reducing medications.
• If symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider or urgent care.
• If you have life threatening symptoms, call 911.

If your symptoms are severe:

• Call your health care provider or emergency room before you go.

No. Face masks are not recommended for the general public. Masks can be useful in some settings, such as in a clinic waiting room, to prevent someone who already has a respiratory illness from spreading it to others.

 

 People who suspect they have COVID-19 should contact their health care provider, who will determine if they have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 .  They  will determine if diagnostic testing is appropriate.  ​ Testing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) change frequently.  Please visit  their site  for updates on their guidance about who should be tested.  There is no COVID-19 home test kit on the market for sale.

Have an adequate supply of over-the-counter drugs and other health supplies on hand, which could include:  pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.

Have a thermometer, tissues and hand sanitizer in case you become ill and must stay at home to recover.

Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

Have a two-week supply of water and food in your home.

At this time, the CDC recommends that travelers avoid any travel on cruise ships worldwide, including river cruises, because of the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission onboard ships.  Deferring travel is especially important for older adults and all people with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease), because of their increased risk for serious illness. People who are at increased risk for serious illness are advised to avoid all non-essential air travel. 

Visit the CDC travel advisory site to check on current travel warnings if you are planning a trip abroad.

 

Do not stigmatize people of any ethnicity.  Viruses do not target people from specific populations, ethnicities or racial backgrounds.

Stay informed and only get information from trusted, official sources.  Be especially wary of myths, rumors, misinformation and scams circulating online and elsewhere.  Health information spread on social media, except from trusted sources, is frequently inaccurate.