COVID-19 Resources: COVID-19 : The Basics

From Hastings Prince Edward Public Health:

COVID-19,  sometimes called coronavirus, is a virus not previously seen in humans, and it is responsible for many colds and respiratory infections. Symptoms of this illness have ranged from mild, cold-like symptoms to severe illness with fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia. Because the virus is newly discovered, scientists and health care experts are still working to understand more about it.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others cause illness in animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. In the case of COVID-19, the symptoms and effects can be more significant, and potentially dangerous.

From Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and the Government of Canada:
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• fever
• tiredness
• dry cough

Most people, about 80%, recover from the disease without needing special treatment. In more severe cases, symptoms can also include:

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• pneumonia in both lungs

If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. 

From Hastings Prince Edward Public Health:

Because COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus, scientists and health experts are still working to fully understand how it is spread. Currently, the illness is believed to be transferred from person to person through close contact, most likely from secretions or droplets in the air or on surfaces due to coughing and sneezing. At this time, it appears that the virus is most often being spread through close contact with another infected person who is showing symptoms. Experts believe that spread from a person who is asymptomatic (not showing symptoms) is also possible, but this is considered rare.

According to Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, as of March 19, 2020, there are currently no lab confirmed cases in the Hastings Prince Edward region. Any confirmed cases in the quarantine zone at CFB Trenton have not had any contact with the community and all care providers have followed comprehensive infection control procedures. More information on the status of cases in Ontario can be found through the Ontario Ministry of Heath's website.

From Hastings Prince Edward Public Health:

By taking some simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of becoming infected, or infecting those around you:

• Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid shaking hands with others. Instead, use other forms of acknowledgement, like waving
• Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm, not into your hand
• If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately and wash your hands
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes with your hands
• Clean objects/surfaces that a lot of people touch (door handles, phones, light switches, desks, surfaces on public transit), and wash your hands after touching these surfaces
• Clean objects such as cell phones, tablets, computer keyboards and mice, and headphones
• Clean surfaces that you may touch frequently, such as car steering wheels
• Don’t share items such as cutlery or water bottles with others – even immediate family
• Get your influenza vaccine to help avoid getting the flu
• Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with other people until your symptoms are gone
• If you suspect you are sick, avoid visiting people in long term care, or individuals with health concerns
• Practice social distancing, and limit time in public places

Additional Library Resources

From the Government of Canada:
Currently, there is no vaccine for COVID-19, and there are no natural health products that are authorized to treat or protect against COVID-19. Most people with mild COVID-19 infection will recover on their own. A health care provider may recommend steps you can take to relieve symptoms. Consult your health care provider as soon as possible if:

• you are concerned about your symptoms
• you have recently traveled to a region where severe coronaviruses are known to occur. More information on travel advisories can be found via the Government of Canada's website.

If you are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing, contact your health care provider.

The following links and contacts will connect you with local, provincial, national, and world organizations.  

Loyalist College has taken a number of steps to protect students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the College has created a page on their website which outlines their plans for handing the COVID-19 outbreak, and to provide the college community with updates. Please monitor this page and your Loyalist College email for new information