Mildly Ill Anne Arundel Residents Asked To Call Doctor First

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — As of March 16, no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus have been reported. However, healthcare experts in Anne Arundel County want to make sure residents are prepared. Everyone should know when to seek a doctor, head to a hospital and when to call first.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the following guidelines for residents who feel ill:

COVID-19 is spread just like colds or flu through:

• coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
• Mildly symptomatic patients (like fever or mild cough) who are otherwise healthy can self -quarantine, monitoring temperature and symptoms and check in with your medical provider as needed.
• Individuals who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.
• Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness. In most situations, those patients will need to be evaluated in an emergency department. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.

I don't have symptoms, but was recently in contact with someone who was tested positive.
• At this time, due to limited resources, if you are not having symptoms (asymptomatic) you will not be tested. Please stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days.

I was tested and confirmed positive for coronavirus.
• If you are confirmed positive, and are otherwise considered healthy, you may be sent home to self-isolate.
• If you are still waiting for test results, you should continue to self-isolate until otherwise instructed.

What can I do to protect myself?

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home except to get medical care. Inform your supervisor of any illness.
• Practice social distancing. Avoid crowds. In a group setting, it is best to provide at least 6 feet of space between individuals.

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