Skokie Public Library Hosted Civic Labs For Coronavirus Information

From the Skokie Public Library:

February 27, 2020

On February 26, we hosted Civic Lab dedicated to a topic that’s all over the news: the coronavirus--or, more specifically, COVID-19. Our Civic Lab events offer a chance for discussion about issues that affect our community and the world at large. A lot of people stopped by with questions. Here are some facts we discussed:

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This disease outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

The risk of getting COVID-19 in the U.S. is currently low. According to the World Health Organization situation report from February 26, more than 95% of all COVID-19 cases are currently in China. While risk of contracting COVID-19 is low for now, it is important to be aware of preparedness efforts in your area.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are typically fever, cough, and shortness of breath. While these symptoms are similar to many seasonal illnesses, including the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that if you have traveled to China in the past 2 weeks and feel these symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

Preventing COVID-19 is similar to preventing colds or the flu. Preventative steps you can take (pulled from the CDC):

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Do not touch your mouth, eyes, or nose with unwashed hands.
• Cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue away.

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. Other people catch COVID-19 by touching infected objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Additional Medical Information

Organizations to follow for more information:The Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWorld Health Organization

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides access to facts about the disease, updates, and information for travelers, healthcare professionals, and more.

“Are You Afraid of the Coronavirus?” from NorthShore University HealthSystem This podcast from the Skokie-area healthcare provider provides factual information about the disease as well as recommendations for concerned community members.

Read more medical information and articles about the coronavirusView the handout we used during the Civic Lab on COVID-19, with links to more resources and facts.

Check our Civic Lab page to see all upcoming events, including when we'll discuss the coronavirus again.

This press release was produced by the Skokie Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.