Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

With so much rumor surrounding the cononavirus outbreak, we go straight to the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health for information on how it spreads, how you should protect yourself, and what to do if you think you are sick.

The CDC says novel coronavirus is a respiratory virus that was first detected in China. It’s now been detected in more than 100 locations. The CDC says they believe it spreads mostly from person-to-person. The symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. You do need medical advice if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you’ve been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

It’s important that you don’t run to an urgent care or the emergency room. Instead, call your doctor to find out what to do.

The good news is that for most people, the illness is generally mild and doesn’t last long. However, the bad news is that it’s so new that there’s no vaccine and it’s highly contagious. So, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk.

Centers for Disease Control

CDC’s Coronavirus  Resources, Symptoms, and situation updates

Minnesota Department of Health

COVID-19 Hotline: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3902, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MDH’s Coronavirus guidance for all Minnesotans

Cities are also relying on the CDC and MDH for information. If you are concerned about your city services, look at your city’s website for the latest information.

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