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1. What is a novel coronavirus?

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.

2. What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

3. How can I prevent COVID-19?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. CDC 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. View the EPA-registered disinfectant products on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 list that have qualified under EPA's emerging viral pathogen program for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
• 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.

More Information

For information about handwashing, see the CDC Handwashing webpage.

4. What treatments are available for COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For people with laboratory confirmed COVID-19, illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. For severe illness, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. 

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness gets worse (for example, you have difficulty breathing). Before seeking medical attention, call your health care provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.

5. Can disinfectant spray or wipes be used on my skin to prevent spread of COVID-19?

No. Always follow the instructions on household cleaners. Do not use disinfect sprays or wipes on your skin because it may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are not intended for use on humans or animals. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces.

View the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant products on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 list that have qualified under EPA's emerging viral pathogen program for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

6. Is the Fire Department offering any screenings for COVID-19?

The Fire Department is not providing assessments to the general public. This is due to our Departments limited resources, manpower, and for the safety of the City workforce. It is recommended that if any person believes they have signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 that they seek professional evaluation by a physician.

7. How is the Fire Department handling their operations and service?

The Fire Department is following the local, state, and national recommendations related to personal hygiene, first responder personal protection, limited contact, facility and equipment control. The Fire Department is screening their own personnel and other City public safety personnel daily to assure our workforce is safe and capable of providing no interruptions in emergency services. The Department has also implemented internal procedures which adds additional levels of protection for their own families and friends. Normal prevention education programs and visits to the fire station for the public are suspended.

8. If I have an emergency what should I expect from the Fire Department?

Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are being performed as normal with some adjustments made to personal protection and contact. If you have signs and symptoms that can be associated with COVID-19 and that are non-life threatening, we suggest you isolate yourself, limit exposure to other people and monitor yourself for fever or more severe symptoms. We will always recommended being evaluated by a physician for non-life threatening conditions. For serious injuries or illness you should still use 911, and be prepared to answer additional questions designed to assist first responders in answering the call appropriately.

9. What is the non-test-based strategy for releasing cases and contacts from home isolation and quarantine?