♪ JASON: HELLO, EVERYONE. I’M JASON NEWTON. AND WELCOME TO “11 T.V. HILL.” IT’S BEEN ANOTHER INTERESTING WEEK AS FAR AS THE CORONAVIRUS IS CONCERNED. RIGHT NOW, ALL MARYLANDERS HAVE TO WEAR MASKS OR FACIAL COVERINGS WHEREVER THEY GO, IN PUBLIC, AND IF THEY CAN’T SOCIALLY DISTANCE OUTDOORS. THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED THAT DURING HIS PRESS CONFERENCE THIS PAST WEEK, WHERE HE ALSO ISSUE — HE ALSO SAID HE WOULD ISSUE A NEW OUT OF STATE TRAVEL ADVISORY. ANYONE FROM MARYLAND GOING TO A SO-CALLED HOT SPOT OF CORONAVIRUS CASES RIGHT NOW, INCLUDING FLORIDA, ARIZONA, TEXAS, AND A FEW OTHER STATES, IS ASKED TO GET A CORONAVIRUS TEST WHEN THEY RETURN, AND SELF-QUARANTINE FOR 14-DAY ALL THIS COMES AFTER AN UPTICK IN MARYLAND’S NUMBERS OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS, WITH HIGHER DAILY INCREASES IN NEW CASES AND MORE PEOPLE NEEDING TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR COVID-19. ONE NEW FACE WE SAW AT THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS CONFERENCE THIS PAST WEEK IS THE STATE’S NEXT HEALTH SECRETARY. THE STATE ANNOUNCED DOCTOR JINLENE CHAN WILL REPLACE FRAN PHILLIPS AS MARYLAND SECRETARY OF HEALTH. AND DOCTOR CHAN JOINS US THIS MORNING. DOCTOR CHAN, THANKS FOR MAKING THE TIME FOR US. I APPRECIATE IT. DR. CHAN: GOOD MORNING. IT IS THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE VIEWERS WERE AWARE THAT WAS THE ROLE THAT FRAN HAD. SHE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS LEADER. I HAVE A HUGE AMOUNT OF RESPECT FOR HER. THAT IS THE ROLE I WILL BE TAKING ON. JASON: TALK ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS AND DESCRIBE YOUR LEVEL OF CONCERN AS YOU SEE THE NUMBERS COME OUT. THIS IS BEING TAPED ON FRIDAY AND TODAY THE NUMBER WAS OVER 1000. DR. CHAN: RIGHT. WE WATCH VERY CAREFULLY, OF COURSE EVERY DAY, THE NUMBER OF NEW CASES BEING REPORTED TO US FROM THE LABORATORIES, AND SEEING WHAT THE OVERALL INCREASE IS FROM DAY TO DAY. WE ALSO LOOK AT THE SEVEN-DAY AVERAGES. THAT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE SOMETIMES THERE CAN BE REPORTS THAT ARE DELAYED OR THERE IS INFORMATION WE ARE NOT GETTING ON THE SPOT. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME DELAYS IN TURNAROUND TIMES AT COMMERCIAL LABS, BUT WE ARE ABSOLUTELY WATCHING THE POSITIVITY RATES WITHIN MARYLAND AND LOOKING CAREFULLY AT SPECIFIC THERE MAY BE MORE OF AN INCREASE OR NOT. THE OTHER COMPONENTS ARE HOSPITALIZATIONS, AND WE ARE SEEING THAT GO UP AS WELL. OUR OVERALL POSITIVITY RATE HAS REMAINED FAIRLY FLAT. THERE IS DAY-TO-DAY VARIABILITY, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE SEVEN-DAY AVERAGE WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY BEEN UNDER 5%, WHICH IS THE CDC THRESHOLD FOR REOPENING. THAT IS SOMETHING WE ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON. THE OTHER COMPONENT THAT IS IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT IS EVEN THOUGH THE STATE POSITIVITY OVERALL IS FAIRLY FLAT, WHEN WE LOOK AT THE POSITIVITY RATE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE YOUNGER, UNDER 35, COMPARED TO THOSE THAT ARE OLDER, IT IS A STARK DIFFERENCE. UNDER 35, WE ARE LOOKING AT A POSITIVITY RATE IN THE 6.5 RANGE COMPARED TO THOSE WHO ARE OLDER, 35 AND OLDER. THERE WE ARE LOOKING AT ME BE 3.5% OVER THE LAST — AT MAYBE 3.5% OVER THE LAST MONTH. THAT IS A STARK DIFFERENCE FROM THE SPRING, WHEN IT WAS OLDER PEOPLE HO WERE EXPERIENCING THE IMPACT. SO A LOT OF THE INCREASE IS DRIVEN BY INDIVIDUALS AT THAT ARE YOUNGER. AND WE ARE ALSO SEEING THAT IN THE HOSPITALIZATIONS. JASON: LET’S STICK WITH THAT THEME OF THIS AFFECTING YOUNG FOLKS. DOES THE MESSAGING HAVE TO CHANGE? THERE WAS A STORY RECENTLY OF A RESTAURANT PERSON BEING CALLED NAMES BECAUSE SHE WAS ASKING PEOPLE TO WEAR MASKS. I WAS IN A STORE, AND IF SOMEBODY SAID, I AM NOT GOING TO GO AROUND THE COUNTER FOR BEING ATTACKED FOR ASKING SOMEBODY TO WEAR A MASK. HOW CAN YOU GET PEOPLE TO TAKE THIS MORE SERIOUSLY? DR. CHAN: THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION, SOMETHING I THINK WE AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS ASKING ALL MARYLANDERS TO REALLY WORK ON. WE ARE SEEING WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OTHER STATES. THE GOVERNOR IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF STATES WHERE THE POSITIVITY RATES ARE OVER 10%. WE ARE SEEING THE SURGES IN NOT ONLY THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES OF POSITIVITY, BUT ALSO HOSPITALIZATIONS, AND DEATHS AS WELL. SO, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE ABSOLUTELY WANT TO HOLD AT A HERE IN MARYLAND. OVER THE LAST MONTH, THE POSITIVITY RATE HAS REMAINED STABLE. BUT THAT ALSO MEANS THERE IS CONTINUED COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION, SO WE ALL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO PREVENT THAT. MASKS ARE A CRITICAL PIECE. THAT IS WHAT THE GOVERNOR PUT OUT THIS WEEK IN A NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER, UPDATING AN EXECUTIVE ORDER FROM APRIL, TO EXPAND THAT, BECAUSE WE DO NOT WANT TO DO WHAT OTHER STATES HAVE HAD TO DO. THEY HAVE HAD TO RECLOSE. WE WANT TO KEEP MARYLAND OPEN TO THE EXTENT THAT WE CAN. HE DOES NOT WANT, AND WE DO NOT WANT, TO HAVE TO CLOSE DOWN BUSINESSES. EVERYBODY HAS TO PLAY THEIR PART. JASON: I WANT TO TALK ABOUT TRAVEL, BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE WANT TO GO ON A FAMILY TRIP TO CLOSE OUT THE SUMMER. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THEM TO STAY SAFE? DR. CHAN: IF POSSIBLE, STAY AWAY FROM LARGE GATHERINGS. STAY WITHIN YOUR HOUSEHOLD UNIT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU DO GO OUT TO PLACES, PUBLIC GATHERINGS, WEAR A MASK. EVEN IF IT IS NOT MANDATED IN THE PLACE YOU ARE TRAVELING TO, WASH YOUR HANDS, WEAR A MASK AND KEEP SOCIALLY DISTANCED. JASON: ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH HOW CONTACT TRACING HAS GONE SO FAR IN MARYLAND? DR. CHAN: YES, I THINK THAT WE HAVE, AS WE HAVE TALKED TO OTHER STATES, A SYSTEM THE OTHER STATES WISH THEY HAD, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT — IT IS PART AND PARCEL WITH TESTING AND WITH OUR EFFORTS TO MITIGATE THE SPREAD OF INFECTION. SO, IF YOU SEE COVID, ANSWER THE CALL, YOU CAN HELP A NEIGHBOR. JA
Coronavirus in Maryland: The latest map, numbers, links to get help
App users: Tap here if map/chart doesn’t load above.What’s New: Week of Aug. 10, 2020More than 5 million Americans have been infected and at least 162,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University data.Bypassing Congress, President Donald Trump signed executive orders deferring payroll taxes for some Americans and extending unemployment benefits after negotiations on a new coronavirus stimulus package collapsed.Leaders from college sports’ “Power Five” conferences discussed postponing the football season and other fall sports over the weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports from multiple sports news outlets including ESPN, Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports, who all cited several sources.A group of researchers at Duke University created a simple technique to analyze the effectiveness of various types of masks, which have become a critical component in stopping the spread of the virus. By the numbers: Monday, Aug. 10Number of confirmed cases : 96,258Number of persons tested negative : 960,552Total testing volume : 1,468,470Number of confirmed deaths : 3,454Number of probable deaths : 137Currently hospitalized : 534Acute care : 415Intensive care : 119Ever hospitalized : 13,247Released from isolation : 5,910 Statewide Positivity Rate: 3.78%Also: Nursing home data now available here.Cases and Deaths Data Breakdown Note: Parenthesis = Number of confirmed deaths Asterisk = Number of probable deathsNH = Non-HispanicCASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY COUNTY:Allegany 299 (18) Anne Arundel 7,416 (216) 9*Baltimore City 12,704 (414) 16*Baltimore County 13,400 (541) 22*Calvert 707 (27) 1*Caroline 453 (3) Carroll 1,554 (115) 2*Cecil 706 (29) 1*Charles 2,040 (89) 2*Dorchester 375 (5) Frederick 3,082 (114) 7*Garrett 49 Harford 1,994 (66) 3*Howard 3,881 (106) 6*Kent 243 (22) 1*Montgomery 18,489 (764) 39*Prince George’s 23,832 (732) 23*Queen Anne’s 434 (24) 1*St. Mary’s 999 (52) Somerset 139 (3) Talbot 402 (4) Washington 1,018 (31) Wicomico 1,348 (45) Worcester 694 (19) 1*Data not available (15) 3*CASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY AGE:0-9 3,328 10-19 6,298 (1) 20-29 16,891 (21) 1*30-39 18,096 (45) 5*40-49 16,105 (110) 3*50-59 14,351 (273) 15*60-69 9,842 (565) 12*70-79 6,081 (849) 22*80+ 5,266 (1,577) 76*Data not available (13) 3*CASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY GENDER:Female 50,739 (1,696) 70*Male 45,519 (1,758) 67*CASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY RACE AND ETHNICITYAfrican American (NH) 29,964 (1,417) 51*Asian (NH) 1,729 (129) 6*White (NH) 20,967 (1,457) 67*Hispanic 23,812 (400) 10*Other (NH) 4,198 (36) Data not available 15,588 (15) 3*ZIP CODES WITH HIGHEST CASE COUNTS:20783 – Adelphi: 2,700 cases20906 – Aspen Hill: 2,082 cases21224 – Baltimore: 1,792 cases20902 – Wheaton/Glenmont: 1,591 cases20706 – Lanham: 1,536 casesMore ZIP codes hereHELPFUL LINKSJohns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering Coronavirus TrackerMaryland Department of Health coronavirus updates | en Español Baltimore City coronavirus resources | City coronavirus dataSLOW THE SPREAD: Slow the spread, what to doSCAMS: Beware of fraud related to coronavirusSPECIAL PAGE: Late-breaking updates on coronavirusGET TESTED: Where and how to get tested for coronavirus in Maryland MARYLAND TIMELINE IN BRIEFMaryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency March 5 after the three people tested positive for the coronavirus. The number of confirmed cases would only continue to rise, and Maryland’s first coronavirus-related death came in March.The state ordered schools to close March 16, and they have remained closed since. Lawmakers in Annapolis adjourned two days later, and Maryland’s presidential primary was moved to June.On March 23, the governor ordered nonessential businesses to close. A week later, he issued a stay-home order.The governor eased some stay-home restrictions May 7 to allow for some outdoor activities to resume, but schools would remain closed through the rest of the academic year.The stay-home order was lifted May 15, but not every county reopened. Then, the state began to enter Stage Two of the recovery plan on June 5 with more restrictions lifted on June 12.Hogan put Maryland’s reopening plan on hold on July 29 as coronavirus cases spike in other states. The state issued an out-of-state travel advisory involving nine states and expanded the statewide face mask order.See a comprehensive timeline of the coronavirus in Maryland here.UNEMPLOYMENTApply for unemployment insurance online here, or call 410-949-0022. Claims center call hours have been extended to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and they will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. || Click here to access the BEACON application ||If you have questions about the new application, you can read the DOL’s BEACON One-Stop FAQs.More information: How to apply for unemployment insurance.FOOD STAMPS (SNAP), MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, WICFAQ for SNAP and medical assistance and other social servicesInformation on WIC — nutrition program for women, infants and children, administered through Maryland Department of HealthFOOD, CASH, MEDICAL, ENERGY, EMERGENCY ASSISTANCESubmit food, cash, energy, emergency and aged/blind/disabled medical assistance applications online via the Department of Human Services website or the MyDHR portal. Medical Assistance applications for families, children and pregnant women should be submitted by visiting the Maryland Health Connection website. Those who need long-term care medical assistance should submit applications, redetermination applications and verifications through the My MDThink Portal.Food banks need our help: Maryland Food Bank | Anne Arundel CountyFood distribution at Baltimore City schools, see the list of locations here.Food distribution sites in Baltimore County: see the list of locations here.COVID SURVIVORS WEBSITEA new state registry has been launched for those who have recovered from the coronavirus.”Each of the recovered coronavirus patients in Maryland has a story to tell and a role to play in our efforts to save lives and slow the spread of this virus,” Hogan said April 10.COVID CONNECT will serve as a community platform to share experiences and to lend support to others who are coping with the recovery process.VOLUNTEERMarylanders can donate their time and talents by signing up for the Maryland Responds Reserve Medical Corps, donate blood and support local food banks, places of worship and other charitable organizations.SENIOR CITIZENSMaryland is helping to keep families connected with the nation’s first-ever Senior Call Check Program. Participants who are 65 years or older will receive a call every day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., depending on which time window they choose. If they can’t be reached, officials will call someone designated by the participant to check up on them.To register, call 866-50-CHECK or visit aging.maryland.gov to register.MORE: Maryland coronavirus A-to-Z Resource GuideFAQ: State answers to coronavirus questions (language translations)FACTS: Rumor ControlCoronavirus – What you should knowThe following information is from the CDC:What are the signs and symptoms?The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.FeverCoughShortness of breath or difficulty breathingChillsRepeated shaking with chillsMuscle painHeadacheSore throatNew loss of taste or smellReported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.How does COVID-19 Spread?Person-to-person spreadThe virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.Can someone spread the virus without being sick?People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objectsIt may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.How easily does coronavirus spread?The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.Prevention and treatmentThere is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Stay home when you are sick.Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
App users: Tap here if map/chart doesn’t load above.
What’s New: Week of Aug. 10, 2020
More than 5 million Americans have been infected and at least 162,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
Bypassing Congress, President Donald Trump signed executive orders deferring payroll taxes for some Americans and extending unemployment benefits after negotiations on a new coronavirus stimulus package collapsed.
Leaders from college sports’ “Power Five” conferences discussed postponing the football season and other fall sports over the weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports from multiple sports news outlets including ESPN, Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports, who all cited several sources.
A group of researchers at Duke University created a simple technique to analyze the effectiveness of various types of masks, which have become a critical component in stopping the spread of the virus.
By the numbers: Monday, Aug. 10
Number of confirmed cases : 96,258
Number of persons tested negative : 960,552
Total testing volume : 1,468,470
Number of confirmed deaths : 3,454
Number of probable deaths : 137
Currently hospitalized : 534
Acute care : 415
Intensive care : 119
Ever hospitalized : 13,247
Released from isolation : 5,910
Statewide Positivity Rate: 3.78%
Also: Nursing home data now available here.
Cases and Deaths Data Breakdown
Note: Parenthesis = Number of confirmed deaths
Asterisk = Number of probable deaths
NH = Non-Hispanic
CASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY COUNTY:
Allegany 299 (18)
Anne Arundel 7,416 (216) 9*
Baltimore City 12,704 (414) 16*
Baltimore County 13,400 (541) 22*
Calvert 707 (27) 1*
Caroline 453 (3)
Carroll 1,554 (115) 2*
Cecil 706 (29) 1*
Charles 2,040 (89) 2*
Dorchester 375 (5)
Frederick 3,082 (114) 7*
Garrett 49
Harford 1,994 (66) 3*
Howard 3,881 (106) 6*
Kent 243 (22) 1*
Montgomery 18,489 (764) 39*
Prince George’s 23,832 (732) 23*
Queen Anne’s 434 (24) 1*
St. Mary’s 999 (52)
Somerset 139 (3)
Talbot 402 (4)
Washington 1,018 (31)
Wicomico 1,348 (45)
Worcester 694 (19) 1*
Data not available (15) 3*
CASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY AGE:
0-9 3,328
10-19 6,298 (1)
20-29 16,891 (21) 1*
30-39 18,096 (45) 5*
40-49 16,105 (110) 3*
50-59 14,351 (273) 15*
60-69 9,842 (565) 12*
70-79 6,081 (849) 22*
80+ 5,266 (1,577) 76*
Data not available (13) 3*
CASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY GENDER:
Female 50,739 (1,696) 70*
Male 45,519 (1,758) 67*
CASES, (DEATHS) & PROBABLE DEATHS* BY RACE AND ETHNICITY
African American (NH) 29,964 (1,417) 51*
Asian (NH) 1,729 (129) 6*
White (NH) 20,967 (1,457) 67*
Hispanic 23,812 (400) 10*
Other (NH) 4,198 (36)
Data not available 15,588 (15) 3*
ZIP CODES WITH HIGHEST CASE COUNTS:
20783 – Adelphi: 2,700 cases
20906 – Aspen Hill: 2,082 cases
21224 – Baltimore: 1,792 cases
20902 – Wheaton/Glenmont: 1,591 cases
20706 – Lanham: 1,536 cases
More ZIP codes here
HELPFUL LINKS
MARYLAND TIMELINE IN BRIEF
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency March 5 after the three people tested positive for the coronavirus. The number of confirmed cases would only continue to rise, and Maryland’s first coronavirus-related death came in March.
The state ordered schools to close March 16, and they have remained closed since. Lawmakers in Annapolis adjourned two days later, and Maryland’s presidential primary was moved to June.
On March 23, the governor ordered nonessential businesses to close. A week later, he issued a stay-home order.
The governor eased some stay-home restrictions May 7 to allow for some outdoor activities to resume, but schools would remain closed through the rest of the academic year.
The stay-home order was lifted May 15, but not every county reopened. Then, the state began to enter Stage Two of the recovery plan on June 5 with more restrictions lifted on June 12.
Hogan put Maryland’s reopening plan on hold on July 29 as coronavirus cases spike in other states. The state issued an out-of-state travel advisory involving nine states and expanded the statewide face mask order.
See a comprehensive timeline of the coronavirus in Maryland here.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Apply for unemployment insurance online here, or call 410-949-0022. Claims center call hours have been extended to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and they will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
|| Click here to access the BEACON application ||
If you have questions about the new application, you can read the DOL’s BEACON One-Stop FAQs.
More information: How to apply for unemployment insurance.
FOOD STAMPS (SNAP), MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, WIC
FAQ for SNAP and medical assistance and other social services
Information on WIC — nutrition program for women, infants and children, administered through Maryland Department of Health
FOOD, CASH, MEDICAL, ENERGY, EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Submit food, cash, energy, emergency and aged/blind/disabled medical assistance applications online via the Department of Human Services website or the MyDHR portal.
Medical Assistance applications for families, children and pregnant women should be submitted by visiting the Maryland Health Connection website. Those who need long-term care medical assistance should submit applications, redetermination applications and verifications through the My MDThink Portal.
Food banks need our help: Maryland Food Bank | Anne Arundel County
Food distribution at Baltimore City schools, see the list of locations here.
Food distribution sites in Baltimore County: see the list of locations here.
COVID SURVIVORS WEBSITE
A new state registry has been launched for those who have recovered from the coronavirus.
“Each of the recovered coronavirus patients in Maryland has a story to tell and a role to play in our efforts to save lives and slow the spread of this virus,” Hogan said April 10.
COVID CONNECT will serve as a community platform to share experiences and to lend support to others who are coping with the recovery process.
VOLUNTEER
Marylanders can donate their time and talents by signing up for the Maryland Responds Reserve Medical Corps, donate blood and support local food banks, places of worship and other charitable organizations.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Maryland is helping to keep families connected with the nation’s first-ever Senior Call Check Program. Participants who are 65 years or older will receive a call every day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., depending on which time window they choose. If they can’t be reached, officials will call someone designated by the participant to check up on them.
To register, call 866-50-CHECK or visit aging.maryland.gov to register.
MORE: Maryland coronavirus A-to-Z Resource Guide
FAQ: State answers to coronavirus questions (language translations)
FACTS: Rumor Control
Coronavirus – What you should know
The following information is from the CDC:
What are the signs and symptoms?
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
How does COVID-19 Spread?
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily does coronavirus spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.
Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention and treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
Credit: Source link
