You’ve surely noticed the increase in media coverage surrounding the global spread of the Coronavirus. At Vero, we are monitoring the situation and will provide any necessary updates. Our focus remains on the health and welfare of our employees across the country. If you have any questions, please contact your Vero Healthcare Recruiter or call our direct line: 877-450-4838.
Originally written & shared within our vendor partner network.
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A newly identified type has caused a recent outbreak of respiratory illness called COVID-19 that started in China. Recent information indicates COVID-19 may be passed from person to person.
What is being done to help slow the transmission?
The CDC, state and local health departments, other federal agencies, and other partners, including many hospitals and health systems have implemented measures to slow and contain transmission of COVID-19 in the United States. These measures include assessing, monitoring and caring for travelers arriving from areas with substantial COVID-19 transmission and identifying cases and contacts of cases in the United States.
Recognizing persons at risk for COVID-19 is a critical component of identifying cases and preventing further transmission. With the expanding spread of COVID-19, additional areas of geographic risk are being identified and monitoring criteria are being updated to reflect this spread.
To prepare for possible additional person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in the United States, the CDC continues to recommend that clinicians and state and local health departments consider COVID-19 in patients with severe respiratory illness even in the absence of travel history to affected areas or known exposure to another case.
Who is at risk for severe disease from COVID-19?
The available data are currently insufficient to identify risk factors for severe clinical outcomes. From the limited data that are available for COVID-19 infected patients, and for data from related coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, it is possible that older adults, and people with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as immunocompromising conditions, may be at risk for more severe outcomes.
How do I protect myself and others?
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see the CDC’s Handwashing website.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash or sanitize your hands accordingly.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
Healthcare workers should follow facility protocol on the use of face masks in caring for patients with respiratory illnesses.
Healthcare professionals can stay up to date with the latest guidance from the CDC by visiting the CDC’s Information for Healthcare Professionals page.
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. The CDC does have specific guidance for travelers if you are considering traveling in the near future.
