EMERGENCY ALERT
In compliance with the Clery Act, Omega Studios’ School is issuing this alert to all students and staff of the wide spreading disease caused by a respiratory virus known as COVID-19.
The following are excerpts copied from the Maryland Department of Health’s website (https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/) and the website for the Center for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/)
COVID-19 Background
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is a new virus that hasn’t caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of infections, causing illness and in some cases death. Cases have spread to countries throughout the world, with more cases reported daily.
COVID-19 is thought to be able to spread like the cold or flu through:• Coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:• Fever• Coughing• Shortness of breath• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)
MD Health Dept: The vast majority of people recover from this infection. Most people will have mild or moderate symptoms. Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a greater risk for more serious illness.
CDC: Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).
CDC: When to Seek Medical Attention
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:• Trouble breathing• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest• New confusion or inability to arouse• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Precautions and Safe Practices:
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19. Everyone is susceptible to COVID-19.1. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds2. Maintain 6’ distance between yourself and others3. Avoid crowds, non-essential air travel and cruise travel4. Avoid public transportation5. Avoid public places6. Stay home as much as possible, especially if not feeling well7. Avoid sharing personal household items such as towels and cups8. Stock up on supplies9. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces10. Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns11. CALL AHEAD before visiting your doctor
Coping with Stress
Things you can do to support yourself: (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/what-you-can-do.html• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.• If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others callo 911o Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
Additional Resources:
Montgomery County: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/RightNav/Coronavirus.html
Virginia Dept of Health: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
District of Columbia Health Dept.:https://dchealth.dc.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-isolation.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/contact-tracing.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html
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