Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Health Tips

Follow the guidelines to help protect yourself from catching, carrying and passing on COVID-19

1. Wash your hands frequently and carefully

2. Avoid touching your eyes and/or face

3. Don't shake hands and hug people at this time 

4. Don’t share personal items

5. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze 

6. Clean and disinfect surfaces. Also clean your phone, laptop, and anything else you use regularly several times a day

7. Take social distancing seriously 

8. Do not gather in groups

9. Avoid eating or drinking in public places

10. Wash fresh groceries. Also wash your hands before and after handling fresh produce. 

11. Wear a (homemade) mask

12. Self-quarantine if sick. Call your doctor if you have any symptoms

COVID-19 Checklist for Families and Individuals

Top 5 Things You Can Do to Prepare for COVID-19

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, strongly recommends that all families and individuals immediately take the following actions:

• Families should have an action plan that identifies individual needs that must be met if a 14-day isolation period is required. This includes appropriate food, prescription medications, non-prescription medications like cold and flu aids, and any other items family members may need for physical or emotional support while ill. If you are caring for grandparents or older adults, keep an eye out for symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusion, or pressure in their chest.
   
• Families should know the plans for organizations (schools, work, etc.) in your community, and have back-up childcare plans if childcare centers or schools are closed for extended amounts of time. Families should also identify a room in their house that can be used for isolation if a family member becomes ill.
   
• Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation from public health officials and other credible sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or the ODH website at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
   
• If you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19 because you have traveled to China or have been around people who may have been exposed and/or are exhibiting symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and let them know you may have been exposed to COVID-19 before visiting the healthcare facility. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take precautionary steps to keep other people from being exposed.
   
• Nursing mothers who have laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or are being tested for COVID-19 should decide whether to continue breastfeeding in coordination with family members and healthcare providers. If continuing, take all possible precautions, including washing your hands, breast pump, and/or bottle parts before and after each use and wearing a face mask while feeding your baby. Consider having someone who is not sick feed expressed milk to the infant.

For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).
 

COVID-19 Checklist for When to Contact Your Provider

Top Recommendations If You Get Sick

Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, strongly recommends that all Ohioans immediately take the following actions if they feel sick:

• Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Call your doctor immediately (before seeking care) if you feel like you are developing these symptoms. If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have symptoms comsistemt with COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility.
   
• Seek prompt medical attention if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19. In adults, these can include:
   
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your healthcare provider for any other severe or concerning symptoms.

• Call your doctor before seeking care if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. Visit the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel website for updates on areas of concern.

• Ask your doctor to call the local health department or the Ohio Department of Health if COVID-19 is supsected. People who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self- monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department.