The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve worldwide. More than 88,000 cases have been reported globally, including 60 within the United States.

The Killingworth Health Department encourages residents to obtain updates on the outbreak from the following two reliable sources, CT Department of Public Health, www.ct.gov/coronavirus, and the CDC, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection (likely over a year away) and no antiviral medication has been approved yet.

Person-to-person spread of the virus is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Much is still unknown about how the virus spreads. Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

There are everyday preventative actions that people can take to help stop the spread of germs.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you 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.

Steps to take if you do get sick:

• Stay home except to get medical care.

• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.

• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.

• Wear a face mask.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

• Wash your hands often.

• Avoid sharing personal household items.

• Clean “high-touch” surfaces every day.

• Monitor your symptoms.

Residents may want to reconsider international travel plans due to the uncertainty of travel restrictions, particularly re-entry into the U.S.

For more information, contact the Killingworth Health Department at 860-663-1765 x223.

Prepared by Paul Hutcheon, Director of Health, Town of Killingworth, phutcheon@townofkillingworth.com, (860) 663-1765, x223.