Paterson health officer gives tips to protect against coronavirus
By To the Editor
Published: March 8, 2020
A novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing an outbreak of respiratory illness with person to person spread was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Today the novel coronavirus has spread to every continent except Antarctica. As the number of infected cases and associated deaths in various countries continue to rise, the threat of a COVID-19 epidemic throughout the United States is real.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe respiratory illness including fever, cough and shortness of breath, pneumonia and death especially in older adults and those with other underlying health conditions.
While the current risk to the general public in the United States and New Jersey specifically is considered low, there are some preventive measures that can be taken because the coronavirus is mostly spread through the air by coughs and sneezes. At this time, there is no vaccine or specific anti-viral treatment available.
Prevention is key.
- Avoid close contacts with those who are sick.
- If you are sick, Stay Home, unless if you have to access medical care
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water often for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, NOT YOUR HANDS
- Currently it is not recommended for the general public to use a mask
- Please check our website www.patersonnjhealth.gov for up to date information
- Also follow us on Facebook: City of Paterson-Division of Health
- Twitter and Instagram: @patcityhealth
The City of Paterson Division of Health investigates all types of communicable diseases on a daily basis and is on the frontlines when it comes to prevention, investigation and the fight against communicable diseases. COVID-19 would be no exception. As a local health department, we implement measures established by the Centers for Disease Control, and the New Jersey Department of Health.
Please be assured that the Paterson Health Department Communicable Disease Strike Team is prepared and ready as we work closely with our State Department of Health communicable disease team to monitor the situation, investigate and manage suspected exposures to COVID-19. The City of Paterson has one of the strongest, if not the strongest communicable disease team assembled at a local health department in the state of New Jersey.
Dr. Paul Persaud
Health officer, City of Paterson.