COVID-19 FAQs

There are multiple reported cases of the recently discovered coronavirus disease, COVID-19, in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The HealthDesk is here to provide you facts about the disease, risk factors, and recommendations for prevention.

The following information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from common colds to more severe diseases such as SARS and MERS. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus.

How does it spread?

The disease can spread from person-to-person through small droplets from the nose or mouth when a person with the disease coughs or exhales. This is thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Other people can catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread can possibly occur before people show symptoms, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Who is at risk?

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

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

• Avoid crowds as much as possible
• Avoid cruise and non-essential air travel
• Stock up on supplies
• Stay home as much as possible to reduce risk, if there is an outbreak in your community.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Call your doctor if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Recommendations to protect yourself

1. Wash your hands often
   • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
   • If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
   • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Recommendations if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19

1. Stay home (except to get medical care) if you are sick
2. Call ahead before visiting your doctor if you have a medical appointment
3. Wear a facemask if you are sick
4. Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
   • Avoid public areas
   • Avoid public transportation
   • Stay away from others
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes
6. Clean all high-touch surfaces everyday
7. Avoid sharing personal household items

More Information

If you want to learn more about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

If you want to learn more about the District Government’s response to COVID-19, please visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/