What You Need to Know About Coronavirus

The Centers for Disease and Prevention is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including cases in the United States.

On March 10, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. ALTA continues to monitor the updates from national and local public health officials regarding the virus.

What to Do
Everyday preventive actions, like these below, can help reduce the spread of germs and viruses during this peak time in flu season and all year long:

• If you are sick take PTO, as flu viruses (including the coronavirus) are most often spread from person-to person contact and rest will help recover quicker.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
• If you feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or were in close contact with someone with coronavirus in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

What to Know

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease and Prevention
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce