Telehealth Resources for the COVID-19 Crisis
Coronavirus and COVID-19: Stay Informed.
As the news surrounding COVID-19 evolves, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s main priorities remain the same — to take care of those who are sick and to limit the spread of infection. There are specific measures you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from coronavirus. The first step is to educate yourself.
What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses of varying severity from a mild "common cold" to a more severe illness like SARS, MERS-CoV and now the COVID-19. These viruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between people and animals. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused the novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
You can learn more about COVID-19 at our previous blog: Staying Healthy During the COVID-19 Crisis.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
You can do your part to keep yourself and your family safe, and prevent the community spread of this very serious and contagious virus, by following all current local, state and Federal government isolation regulations and:
- Covering your sneeze or cough in your elbow
- Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands
- Quarantining yourself if you’re sick
- Staying home (unless you are essential personnel)
- Avoiding travel and large gatherings
- Practicing social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from other people
- Cleaning frequently touched objects and surfaces with disinfectant
- Cleaning your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available (make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol)
Treatment
Contact your health care provider by phone before going to a clinic or hospital if you are experiencing such symptoms as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Have come into contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 within 14 days of onset of any unusual symptoms.
If you develop the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1 or visiting the closest Emergency Department.
Emergency warning signs include**:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
**This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning (source CDC).
Do not visit the Emergency Department for COVID-19 testing. Emergency resources are needed for the most critical patients.
