Route 9 Safety and Operations Study

May 22

[ARCHIVED] What to do if you're sick

The original item was published from May 22, 2020 1:32 PM to May 26, 2020 11:23 AM

We all play a role in slowing the spread of coronavirus in our community. Do your part: wear a face covering if you need to go out, wash your hands frequently and keep a safe physical distance, at least 6 feet, from others. Together, we can help slow the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.

  • Symptoms can include fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, trouble breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
  • Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure.
  • Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people will have mild illness and be able to recover at home.
  • Persons can be infected with COVID-19 and pose a risk to others without noticing any symptoms.
  • Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. Seek care early.

COVID-19 is everywhere in our community and all areas in Loudoun are at risk.  As cases continue to rise in our area and with evidence of community transmission, it becomes more difficult to know everyone who may be at risk of being exposed.

It's important to know what to do if you become sick. Residents are encouraged to follow these instructions to self-monitor illness and to inform close contacts when becoming ill. 

If You Are Sick, Whether or Not You Have Been Tested for COVID-19:

  • If you develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your doctor or an urgent care center to discuss.
    • If you do not have access to a healthcare provider, contact the INOVA Loudoun Patient Access Center at 855-464-3627.
    • If you do not have insurance, contact Inova Cares Clinic for Families in Sterling at 571-665-6526. Information is available through Cover Virginia for uninsured Virginians. You can also go to a local urgent care center.
    • Stay home.  Avoid contact with others, do not share personal items, and use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible.
    • Monitor your health. Call 911 if you develop trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face.
    • Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth, when around other people.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces every day.
    • Do not leave home until fever-free for 72 hours (without medication) AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
    • Inform close contacts. Talk to everyone who has been within 6 feet for more than a few minutes while you were sick, including the 48 hours BEFORE you developed symptoms. Encourage them to stay home for 14 days and provide them the following guidance for those who had close contact with someone who is sick.

Use this printable flyer to help prevent disease spreading to people in your home and community. (PDF)

Resources

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19. 

  • Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
  • Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.
  • Text LCCOVIDESP to 888777 to receive text messages in Spanish from Loudoun County about COVID-19. 
Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email