Q: What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. COVID-19 causes illnesses that can range from mild to more severe.

Q: Who is at risk of contracting COVID-19?
A: According to the CDC, people at increased risk include:

• Older adults
• People of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
  • Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
  • Immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant
  • Obesity and severe obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Smoking
  • Type 2 diabetes

Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.
For more information visit the CDC’s website.

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
A: Most patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms will appear 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

Q: How does COVID-19 spread?
A: According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes.
These particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Droplets can also land on surfaces and objects and be transferred by touch. A person may get COVID-19 by touching the surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Spread from touching surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
It is possible that COVID-19 may spread through the droplets and airborne particles that are formed when a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. There is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others, and travel distances beyond 6 feet (for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes). In general, indoor environments without good ventilation increase this risk.

Q: What is close contact?
A: Close contact is defined as:
a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case
-or-
b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)

Q: What can I do to keep myself and others healthy?
A: The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions you take to avoid the flu:

• Follow social distancing protocols.
• Wear a mask when outside your home.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.
• If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Serious respiratory illnesses are spread by cough, sneezing or unclean hands.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school. Especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

Q: What do I do if I have symptoms?
A: If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. If you are ill stay home and away from others. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provider. Be sure to keep track of your symptoms and when they first appeared.
If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.

Q: If I am exposed or suspect I may have COVID-19, how long should I quarantine for?
A: The CDC issued revised quarantine guidance on December 2, 2020. Updated guidance states that Individuals may now resume normal activity after 7 days if they tested negative starting on day 5 of the quarantine or after 10 days if they remain asymptomatic and testing is not available. When testing is not available, individuals who were exposed to COVID-19 and remain asymptomatic must be quarantined for 10 days from the time of their most recent exposure. This includes, but is not limited to, at home quarantine, in a hotel or dormitory room, or in a group quarantine facility.

Q: If I have recovered from COVID-19, do I need to wear a mask and practice social distancing?
A: Yes. Individuals who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection should continue to follow social distancing and mask protocols. We do not yet understand how long previously infected individuals maintain COVID-19 antibodies.

Q: What should I do if I don’t have insurance or a health care provider?
A: Medically uninsured patients seeking care are encouraged to visit a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in their community. FQHCs are defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration as providing comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. To find an FQHC near you, please visit https://www.nvpca.org

Q: Is it safe to shop at open businesses?
A: Any activity outside the home carries some risk of infection. The State of Nevada advises individuals to stay home and avoid unnecessary trips outside of the home as often as possible to reduce your risk of infection. If you do choose to shop at a brick and mortar location, please follow all statewide social distancing and mask guidelines. Alternatively, call ahead to ask businesses if they have online shopping or curbside pick-up options available.

Q: What is the risk of my child contracting COVID-19?
A: Children can become infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 than adults. Note that some children with underlying illnesses and infants under the age of one year old are at risk of severe infection.

Q: What is the recommendation for engaging in travel?
A: Stay close to home. If you must travel, anticipate limited utility access – bathrooms may not be accessible. Take supplies with you, as food options may be limited. Ensure appropriate social distancing and masking protocols and limit any unnecessary contact with other individuals who are not in your immediate household.

Q: Is my pet at risk of infection with COVID-19?
A: The CDC is aware of a small number of pets testing positive for COVID-19, however the risk for transmission from a pet is considered to be low at this time. For more information, please visit CDC.gov

Q: Where can I get more information about COVID-19?
A: Information is available through the following resources:

• The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
• Southern Nevada Health District
• Washoe County Health District
• Carson City Health and Human Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• You can also call the Southern Nevada Health District’s Information Line at 702-759-INFO for updated information about the COVID-19 outbreak.

CDC COVID-19 what you need to know – frequently asked questions.