Town Responds To 'Inevitable' Coronavirus Spread

GUILFORD, CT — In an effort to educate employees, and the community by extension, the town issued the following statement about the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, and how to be safe, and also to recognize symptoms in the event of the spread of the virus in communities.

Coronavirus Information For Town Employees

"With the recent media coverage about potential community-acquired Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurring in the United States it is important that all Town employees be aware of the concerns and best practices relative to containing or preventing the spread of this respiratory illness.

Although the threat level is still low, the Centers for Disease Control and state health officials recently acknowledged that the likelihood of a coronavirus outbreak in U.S. is inevitable and that only the time, extent and severity of such an outbreak is unknown.

Public health experts predict that the degree of severity of a coronavirus outbreak will directly influence how communities respond to or mitigate the effects of the epidemic. Social distancing measures, curtailing social and sporting activities, school closing, workplace shut down and travel bans have all occurred in other countries experiencing coronavirus outbreaks.

Unlike the seasonal influenza virus there are no preventable vaccines available or approved anti-viral medications available to relieve symptoms. The only tool for public health officials to control the spread of this type of disease is through non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Symptoms

Coronavirus infection symptoms are almost identical to those of seasonal influenza and can show up anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure. Early on, symptoms are a lot like the common cold. You might notice: fever, cough and shortness of breath. Infections range from mild to serious. The virus can become deadly if it leads to pneumonia, respiratory failure, or septic shock. Those most at risk of death are the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Transmission

Most coronaviruses spread the same way other cold-causing viruses do: through infected people coughing and sneezing, by touching an infected person's hands or face, or by touching things such as doorknobs that infected people have touched.

Prevention

To help prevent a Coronavirus infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are infected.

Note: In light of the current situation it cannot be stressed enough that if you do start to experience symptoms of an infection it is mandatory that you do not go to work but stay home. It is advisable that you consult with your physician prior to returning to work. Isolating yourself from the work place is a tried and true way to break the spread of an epidemic.
Treatment: You should consult with your physician as to the treatment best for you.

Typical treatment protocols for Coronovirus infection may be similar to treatment of a cold:
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink fluids.
• Take over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat and fever. But don't give aspirin to children or teens younger than 19; use ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead.

The Guilford Health Department is in daily contact with state health officials for updates and recommendations on preparing for a Coronavirus spread. As with any public health threat we aim to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

More information about COVID-19 from the state health department can be found here and information from the CDC can be found here.