In hopes of answering questions you may have and calming some anxieties about the coronavirus, we have put together a list of resources below from reputable organizations that can provide you with up-to-date information.

What is the COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, causes respiratory illness in people. It can spread from person to person through “respiratory droplets” that occur when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Common symptoms that present 2-14 days after exposure include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus was first reported from Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019, but is now confirmed in many locations internationally, including in the United States. The World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.

It’s important to remember that COVID-19 isn’t connected to race, ethnicity or nationality. Stigma will not help fight the illness. Sharing accurate information from trusted sources is critical to reduce misinformation. Find reliable and current information about the outbreak from local, state, and national agencies below.

Websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC is a federal public health institute of the United States. It offers current information about:

  • symptoms,
  • testing, and
  • prevention and treatment.

The CDC has frequent updates on new cases in the United States, risk assessments by country, and information for travel and travelers. Helpful sections include posters on how to prevent the spread of the virus within your community and an Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page answering all of your questions.

The World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO provides:

It also features myth buster graphics such as the one below to stop the spread of misinformation, that put people and their communities at greater risk.

MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine. The organization’s mission is aimed at providing health information to the public that is trusted, easy to understand, free of advertising, in both English and Spanish.

Siga estos sencillos pasos para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de infecciones.  Lavase las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos.  Quedase en casa cuando está enfermo.  Cubra su boca cuando tenga tos o si estornuda  Limpie y desinfecte objetos y super cies que se tocan con frecuencia. COVID-19 y la gripe se propagan cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda. Evite la propagación de estas y otras enfermedades respiratorias lavándose las manos, cubriéndose cuando tenga una tos o si estornuda, quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo, y limpie objetos y super cies que son tocados frecuentemente. Para más información, visite www.bphc.org/az

Its content on COVID-19 includes:

  • a summary of information on prevention and diagnosis,
  • an overview of the types of coronaviruses and how testing is used, and
  • direct links to journal articles from MEDLINE/PubMed and Clinical.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

For the latest on monitoring cases in Oregon, the OHA has a section on cases and monitoring. This state government website also includes:

  • information about COVID-19 preparation in Oregon.
  • Guidelines for large events, public gatherings, employers, schools, employers and faith based organizations.

Hood River County Health Department

For the latest information for Hood River County.

Hood River School District

For the latest information for the Hood River County School District.

Hands that look clean can still have icky germs! Wash your Hands! Steps: 1. Wet 2. Get Soap 3. Scrub 4. Rinse 5. Dry

Children & Families

According to the CDC, there is no evidence or published research that shows that pregnant women or children are more at risk to COVID-19. Find FAQs about COVID-19 and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and COVID-19 and children by clicking on these links. The CDC also provides guides for how to get your household ready to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as posters on handwashing for children and teens.

Need help talking to your kids about COVID-19? Staff at the National Public Radio used interviews from various public health and social work experts to create a comic about what kids may want to know. You can see a snippet below:

It's a word you might have heard at school or online or on TV. Sniff Sniff AGHHHH! What? He might have the coronavirus!!! OMG! OMG! OMG! Wait...What is that?

Mental Health

The terms outbreak, epidemic, global health emergency, and quarantine often can be trigger words for many people creating anxiety, depression, fear, and distrust. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created a Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks fact sheet that describes common signs of stress , how to recognize when to get help, and advice for coping.

Beware of scams!

The WHO has a dedicated page listing potential scams seeking to steal money or sensitive information from people. Improve your cyber security by reading the WHO’s information and tips.

If you have questions, look for answers at one of these resources, beware of scams, and wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds)!