Coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. The disease causes respiratory illness with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or when a person touches a surface that has the virus on it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Westchester County residents should take the following precautions to protect themselves from the virus:
Stay home and away from other people
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning product that contains bleach.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (not your hands), then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Elderly people, those with underlying respiratory illness and people with a compromised immune system are most at risk.
To date, there is no known vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to heed everyday preventative measures, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.