Novel Coronavirus

In February 2020, the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency due to the outbreak of respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus. It is important to note that COVID-19 is not spreading widely in the United States. There are no additional precautions recommended for the general public in the U.S.

As of March 6, 2020, there are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland. Up-to-date information on the status of testing and cases in Marylandnew window is available online. Updated data on U.S. and global cases can be found at Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation Summary.

• Stay away from people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work and school.
• Do not travel if you are sick.
• Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to prevent the spread of this virus and many other illnesses.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Stay informed on the latest information. Visit the CDC COVID-19 websitenew window for more information and the latest updates. There are many myths circulating about the COVID-19 virus. Check out the Mythbusters webpage by World Health Organizationnew window which says: People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. Coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

If you have traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing:

• See your primary care provider right away. Call ahead and tell them about your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel if you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

For more information, visit the CDC Novel Coronavirus websitenew window.

Additional Resources

• Coronavirus Fact Sheet (PDF, )
• Información sobre el Coronavirus (PDF, )
• Update Public Health Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak (PDF, )
• What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (PDF, )
• Qué hacer si contrae la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (PDF, )

World Health Organization’s Advice for the Public which includes videosnew window
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)new window