COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

What Is The Novel Coronavirus?

Novel coronavirus is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. It has now spread to many other countries, including the USA. Technically, the virus is named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes is called COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). See information about 2019 Novel Coronavirus on the CDC website

How Does The Virus 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), and via 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. Droplets that land on surfaces may be transferred to the nose and mouth by hand; Frequent hand washing and avoiding touching your face can prevent the transfer of illness. Covering your cough or sneeze and staying home if you are sick can prevent passing illness on to others.

What About Face Coverings?

(Full text of Order C19-8 may be found here.) On order of the Health Officer of San Mateo County, effective 11:59 PM, April 17, members of the public over the age of 12 and workers are required to wear face coverings made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, that covers only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face, when they are outside of their home and may come in contact with others. Children aged two or less must not wear a Face Covering because of the risk of suffocation.

Masks that incorporate a one-way valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask) that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling are not a Face Covering under this Order and are not to be used to comply with this Order’s requirements. Valves of that type permit droplet release from the mask, putting others nearby at risk

Good hand washing techniques are the most effective way to prevent yourself from getting sick. This means washing your hands often with soap and water and rub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol may be used. It is important to understand that face masks are not a substitute for hand washing which is the priority.