Corona Virus (Covid-19)
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a new virus called SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most people with COVID-19 will have mild disease but some people will get sicker and may need to be hospitalized.
How do I know if I may have been exposed?
You generally need to be in close contact with a sick person to get infected. Close contact includes:
- Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19.
- Caring for a sick person with COVID-19.
- Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes.
- Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).
What should I do if I am a close contact to someone with COVID-19 and get sick?
If you get sick with fever, cough or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are very mild), you may have COVID-19. You should isolate yourself at home and away from other people. If you have any of the following conditions that may increase your risk for a serious infection—age 60 years or older, are pregnant, or have medical conditions—contact your physician’s office and tell them that you were exposed to someone with COVID-19. They may want to monitor your health more closely or test you for COVID-19.
What if I need Emergency Services?
First and foremost, if you have an emergency and need assistance your local emergency services will be there for you. In order to keep our first responders safe and to ensure we can respond properly to your emergency, please assist us with the following:
- Tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher if anyone in your house-hold is experiencing flu type symptoms?
- Tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher if anyone in your house-hold has been outside of the country recently?
- If anyone is sick in your house-hold, please be sure to communicate that to the first arriving Chief or Engine so that we can be sure we are properly equipped to assist you.
- If you are feeling sick, please do not drive to the fire station. Call 9-1-1 from your phone and assistance will be sent directly to you.
Additional Resources: