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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updates and Resources

March 18, 2020
Newsletter Archive

Dear Friends,

As your Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed on critical issues such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). My office continues to receive new information regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic and I want to provide you with the latest information and resources so you can stay up to date and prepared.

It is important to familiarize yourself with local health department resources. Most schools have or are developing emergency operations plans, and I strongly encourage students and parents to familiarize themselves with those plans now.

In any public health emergency, it is important to get trusted, verified information. Below, you will find helpful information from the CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Trusted and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19):

For the latest updates from the Mississippi State Department of Health, click here.

For the latest updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here.

For the latest updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here.

Frequently asked questions on the coronavirus (COVID-19):

What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of Breath

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

If you experience the symptoms of COVID-19 or have reason to believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility. To help prevent the spread of germs, you should:

  • Stay home when feeling sick.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, multiple times a day. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions. If you are in this higher-risk population, the CDC recommends that you:

  • Stock up on supplies.
  • Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often (using soap and water for at least 20 seconds).
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.

The best thing we can do right now is to make sure we do not panic, stay informed and be prepared.

Sincerely,

Bennie G. Thompson

Member of Congress