Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — Recent news has included much information about the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) Coronavirus, COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Coconino County Health and Human Services, in collaboration with state and federal health officials, is closely monitoring the situation and working with our local partners to ensure our communities are prepared in this situation.
- See most recent information from Arizona Department of Health Services HERE
- See most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information HERE
Cases of COVID-19 are being reported in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States. Imported cases of COVID-19 in travelers have been detected in the U.S. Person- to-person spread of COVID-19 also has been seen among close contacts of returned travelers from Wuhan, but at this time, this virus is NOT currently spreading in the United States.
The immediate risk of COVID-19 infection to the general public is believed to be low for individuals who have not traveled to China or have not been in close contact with someone who is under evaluation for COVID-19 infection. However, it’s important to note that current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will continue to spread. As community spread is detected in more and more countries, the need for local preparedness is emphasized.
CCHHS has activated the Coconino County COVID-19 Incident Command Team. This is a collaborative team between Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Communicable Disease Prevention, Finance and Public Information under leadership guidance. The objectives of the team are:
1. Protect the public and prevent spread of COVID-19 using Public Health surveillance, interventions, and epidemiological investigations.
2. Provide information to the public, media, providers and healthcare partners and staff to increase public awareness, control rumors and protect the public.
What can you do?
Although the immediate risk of this new virus in the United States is believed to be low at this time, everyone can take actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Get a seasonal flu shot.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, to severe illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Coconino County Health and Human Services will continue to work with state and federal public health partners, community partners and County leadership to prepare and respond to this situation and to provide updated information. More information on COVID-19 will be provided as available. Updated information is also available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
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