What is COVID-19, and how bad is it?
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person in many countries, including the United States. Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new virus.
At this time, there are a small number of cases in the U.S. Reported cases range from mild illness (like a normal cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. So far, deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health conditions.
How can I help prevent?
Here are 4 everyday measures that can help prevent you from getting COVID-19 or spreading it to others. They should be practiced by all people in IRC, in all locations at all times.
- Wash your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your face, unless your hands are thoroughly cleaned.
- Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Discard any used tissue immediately and wash hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has cough or fever. Maintain at least three feet/one meter distance.
- Stay home if you feel sick with fever or cough. Follow guidance from your local health authorities and notify your manager.
Symptoms
- A cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Fever (high temperature)
Please Note
Masks are not advised: except for those who are ill or health care workers caring for the sick.
Follow your local government’s guidance: staff should first follow local government advice and restrictions. Where they don’t exist, follow the IRC’s guidance.
Update on Hunter High School
Earlier this evening, the Salt Lake County Health Department identified potential exposure of COVID-19 at Hunter High School in West Valley City. Thereafter, they directed us as follows:
- Hunter High School staff, students, should quarantine at home until March 27, 2020 and monitor themselves for symptoms throughout that time. Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever over 100° F, and shortness of breath.
- Hunter High School will change from a two-week dismissal, to a two-week closure. CAMPUS WILL BE COMPLETELY CLOSED as we work to sanitize the facilities. Instruction will NOT continue at this time. Rather, school leadership and local health officers will re-evaluate the situation in two weeks, and take the appropriate next steps that will best serve the school community.
NOTE: Only Hunter High School has been impacted at this time. All other schools within Granite School District will continue forward with their respective two-week dismissal plans.
Employees and individuals who are not regularly assigned to Hunter High School but may have visited the facility recently are encouraged to follow general health department guidelines and recommendations for self-care, but are not under the self-quarantine order.
We urge all members of our Granite District community to take the recommendations from the Health Department very seriously; we must ALL do our best to reduce potential spread.