COVID-19: Questions & Answers
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What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to the common cold or flu. Symptoms range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe. The most common symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
In severe cases, infection can lead to death, but that is most common when the infected person already has a weakened immune system. This may be the case for older people, and anyone with chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease.
The World Health Organization advises that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 10 to 14 days after contracting COVID-19. This time period may be refined as new information becomes available.
(Source: https://ckphu.com/symptoms-seeking-healthcare/)
Are the cases you speak of in your posts the same ones we’re hearing about in the media?
Yes. The Public Health Unit announces new cases initially, and then we’ll follow up with any information that relates to our agency afterwards.
What measures are you taking to protect staff and people who access the services of CLC-K?
In our commitment to supporting those who access services and staff, we have implemented a number of measures to minimize the spread of the virus. These include:
- Restricting visitors to our residential homes
- Stopping non-essential supports within the agency
- Closing the three Day Programs and two Respite Programs
- Educating staff and people who access services on hand washing and other infection control measures
Who is Community Living Chatham-Kent receiving guidance from?
We have a solid working relationship with the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, whom we speak with daily. We are grateful for their help and follow their guidance closely.
If a person who lives in a residential home tests positive for COVID-19, does the person stay in her/his home?
Currently, CLC-K has two unoccupied homes and the person would be moved into one of these homes in order to self-isolate. If this is not feasible, the person may be supported to self-isolate in their own home, if certain criteria are met. Anyone supported who tests positive is encouraged to wear a mask beyond their bedroom.
Are the staff, who are working with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, protected?
Yes, the staff wear personal protective equipment, face shields, goggles, masks, gowns, and gloves.
If a staff person tests positive for COVID-19 does that person stop working?
Yes, and the person follows the directions as set out by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
What can I do to protect myself from contracting COVID-19?
- Wash your hands frequently – Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain social distancing – Maintain at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone else. Presume that other people have the virus, in order to maintain your distance and protect yourself.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Practice respiratory hygiene – Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Follow by hand washing or hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Where can I obtain accurate information about COVID-19?
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit: https://ckphu.com/covid-19/
- Government of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
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