Questions and Answers
The coronavirus, now called “COVID-19” is a newly identified airborne virus in the corona viral family, but it is more severe and spreads easily. Diagnosis is difficult because it shares several symptoms with influenza.
Experts believe COVID-19 is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby ― typically within 6 feet ― or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Yes, you can catch COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it but it is thought that this is not the main way the virus spreads.
Yes. Between 25% and 50% of people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms.
Testing is now available in Solano County for those without symptoms. A doctor’s order is not required. Testing is by appointment only and at no cost. Online applications for appointments can be scheduled at lhi.care/covidtesting or individuals without internet access can call 888-634-1123.
There is currently no vaccine. There are many researchers around the world fast tracking the development of a vaccine but realistically it will be at least 12 to 18 months before a vaccine is ready for the public.
More: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/news-events/nih-clinical-trial-remdesivir-treat-covid-19-begins
Follow the Solano County Health Department "shelter at home" order and guidelines:
- If you go out, keep at least 6 feet of distance among other people;
- Wear a face covering; and
- Always practice healthy hygiene habits, such as washing your hand with soap and water frequently and not touching your face.
For full details on the county’s public health order, go to these two useful webpages:
Solano Public Health strongly recommends community members wear cloth face coverings when in public. Face covering reduces the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well. Covering your face is about helping others.
Unless it is an immediate life-threatening condition, there is no need to come to the Emergency Department without first contacting your healthcare provider. If you have had close contact with someone who recently traveled from a high-risk country and is showing symptoms of fever and respiratory illness, you should also call your healthcare provider and mention your close contact with a traveler from a high-risk country.
The Solano County Department of Public Health is tracking local cases. View here.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- California Department of Public Health (CDHP): https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
- Solano County Public Health:http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/ph/coronavirus.asp
Quick Links:
- About Cloth Face Coverings
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
- California Department of Public Health
- Solano Public Health
- Mayo Clinic
Resources:
- COVID-19 in California
- Resources for Home
- Resources for Schools, K-12
- Resources for Colleges
- Resources for Travel
- Resources for Community Events
- (Video) Mayo Clinic: Infectious Disease Expert Speaks
- CDC: What You Should Know