Coronavirus (COVID-19): What you need to know

  • The following information is taken from the Washington State Department of Health website.

    What is COVID-19?

    This virus emerged in Hubei Province, China in December 2019. The virus is spreading from person-to-person, and cases are confirmed in the United States and a number of other countries. The risk for COVID-19 is not connected to race, ethnicity or nationality. Sharing accurate information, and new information as it emerges, can prevent misinformation from spreading.

    Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They usually cause mild respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

    Who is at Risk for COVID-19?

    For the current risk assessment in our area, please visit the Washington State Department of Health Coronavirus Website >>

    What are the symptoms?

    Symptoms of coronavirus may include:

    • Runny nose
    • Headache
    • Loss of taste or smell
    • Cough
    • Sore throat
    • Fever
    • A general feeling of being unwell

Tips for helping stop the spread of infection

  • You can take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following things:

    • When you are out, keep a distance of 6 feet or more between you and others
    • Wear a face covering in public spaces, when you cannot maintain 6 feet distance from people not from your household
    • Avoid crowds
    • Limit social gatherings
    • Stay closer to home
    • Wash your hands with soap and water, often  See handwashing guidance from the CDC >>
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
    • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
    • If you are sick, stay home and avoid close contact with others
    • Avoid contact with people who are sick
    • If you are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, we encourage you to limit activities that put you into contact with people outside your household