COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This was a new virus that had not caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in over seven million human infections, causing illness and thousands of deaths. As the virus continues to spread, there have been cases reported in over 180 countries (according to WHO), including the United States.

The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak is a global pandemic. Federal, state and local governments are taking a comprehensive approach to keep Marylanders safe. For Maryland and Anne Arundel County confirmed COVID-19 cases to date, check the Maps. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and get the country back to normal, individuals will need to practice social distancing when in public (at least 6 feet away from others), wear face coverings in public, and practice healthy hygiene measures including frequent handwashing.

Maryland’s recovery plan has four building blocks that must be solidly in place before the lifting of restrictions: an expanded testing capacity, increased hospital surge capacity, increased supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a robust contact tracing operation.

As of Friday, June 19, 2020 at 5 p.m., Maryland and Anne Arundel County will be fully moved into phase two of reopening.

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.* Based upon available information to date, those most at risk include:

• People 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People of any age with the following underlying medical conditions, particularly those that are not well controlled
  • Chronic lung disease or asthma
  • Congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease
  • Diabetes
  • Neurologic conditions that weaken ability to cough
  • Weakened immune system
  • Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer (currently or in recent past)
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Lack of spleen or a spleen that doesn’t function correctly
  • Extreme obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40)
• Pregnant women

*NOTE: No one is safe from contracting this virus. It is possible for young people, children and healthy individuals to get COVID-19 and spread it to others.

COVID-19 is spread just like colds or flu through:

• coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symptoms (Most Common):

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

NOTE: Symptoms usually appear within 2-14 days from time of exposure. Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms. Infected people without symptoms can still spread the disease. If you have questions about your symptoms, call your health care provider.

Most people recover from this infection. Close to 80 percent will have mild or moderate symptoms. People with any symptom are advised to get tested. To make an appointment for no-cost testing, call the COVID-19 Health Line at 410-222-7256. Most people who have a mild case are advised to recover at home for at least 14 days and isolate themselves from others. These individuals should call their physician or clinic if their symptoms get worse. There is also no specific medicine currently to cure COVID-19 because it is a new disease. However, people who have COVID-19 should get medical care to lessen the severity of symptoms.

Some COVID-19 infections can lead to serious illness, and in some cases death. If someone has a more serious illness from COVID-19, they may be admitted to the hospital. Older people and those with pre-existing medical problems have a greater risk for serious illness. Examples of pre-existing medical problems are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, COPD or other conditions impacting the immune system’s ability to fight germs.

There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. It is important to take everyday preventive steps that are always recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu and COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay at home, unless you need to get medical care or essential items such as food and medicine.
• If you go out in public, wear a face cover to protect yourself and others. Face covers can be a face mask or any cloth item made from home, a scarf, a bandana or gaiter.
• In public, practice social distancing. Avoid crowds. It is best to provide at least 6 feet of space between individuals.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, or if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19, call your primary care provider or the Anne Arundel County Department of Health COVID Health Line: 410-222-7256. Your symptoms will be evaluated and you will be led to the next steps, such as testing. If symptoms are severe and getting worse, call 9-1-1.

Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals can be tested for COVID-19. Call the department’s health line, 410-222-7256, to schedule an appointment. Doctor referrals are not required.

Yes, Marylanders are advised to wear face coverings while out in public. Follow these guidelines on face coverings, how to use them and how to make a no-sew mask.

Anne Arundel County residents can be tested by primary care providers or through the Department of Health’s services. Call 410-222-7256 for more information and to schedule an appointment, click here.

Stay-at-home orders have been lifted for the State of Maryland; however, traveling still increases the risk of spreading COVID-19. A two-week self quarantine is recommended when returning from out-of-state travel. Individuals should avoid any non-essential international travel.

• Do not stigmatize people of any ethnicity. People who have not recently traveled to China or other affected regions, and have not had close contact with a person who is ill with COVID-19, are at no greater risk of this disease than you. Viruses do not target people from specific populations, ethnicities or racial backgrounds.
• Stay informed and only get information from trusted, official sources. Be especially wary of myths, rumors, misinformation and scams circulating online and elsewhere.  Health information spread on social media is frequently inaccurate.