COVID-19 is caused by a new respiratory virus. In December 2019, the virus began circulating in humans. Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia.

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. They include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

Health experts are still learning about how this new coronavirus spreads. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

• Between people who are in close contact (within about six feet) of an ill person, and
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

In general, coronaviruses are unable to survive on surfaces. There is likely a very low risk of spread from products or packages shipping over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission associated with imported goods.

If you are traveling overseas follow the CDC’s guidance at CDC.gov/Travel.
There are steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold that will also help prevent COVID-19, including:

• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick and contact your healthcare provider.

Right now, there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public in the United States.It is important to remember that stigma and discrimination occur when people associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality. COVID-19 does not target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds

No. Facemasks are not recommended for healthy people. Facemasks should be used by:

• Healthcare workers
• People taking care of someone with COVID-19

If you are sick with respiratory illness and visit a healthcare provider, you may be asked to wear a facemask during your visit.

To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands with soap after being around animals.

At this time, we are not releasing the locations of quarantine facilities due to individual privacy.

Individuals that are concerned about their health and experiencing respiratory illness or other serious or concerning symptoms, should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers request testing based on a patient’s signs, symptoms, travel history and risk.

MDHHS is recommending cancellation, postponement, or modifications to conferences and events with 100 or more attendees. Smaller events should also consider cancellation and other social distancing strategies. High-risk communities should cancel gatherings of more than 10 people.

Employers should consider strategies to prevent spread of illness in the workplace including:

• Encouraging sick employees to stay home and ensuring that policies are consistent with public health guidance.
• Separating employees with acute respiratory illness.
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Provide information to employees before traveling.

Employers should follow the CDC’s guidance for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan.