• Self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days after exposure
• Call your primary care provider if you experience COVID-19 symptoms

• Self-quarantine for 14 days (avoid being closer than six feet to others)
• Call your primary care provider if you experience COVID-19 symptoms
• If you do not have a primary care provider, call Telehealth Immediate Care at 614-293-3200.

Those in quarantine should try to keep six to 10 feet of distance between themselves and another person, and avoid prolonged contact while in an enclosed space. They should also:

1. sleep in a separate room from others
2. practice strict cough etiquette (cover sneeze or cough with sleeve)
3. practice strict hand hygiene
4. avoid sharing utensils, dishware or drinking cups

As the CDC explains: “Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.”

Recent studies suggest a significant number of people with COVID-19 don’t have any symptoms and those who develop symptoms spread germs before the symptoms appear. In light of this evidence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending people wear cloth masks in addition to practicing social distancing. (Here are the CDC instructions on how to make and wear a cloth mask) 

In general, practicing routine hygiene etiquette is the best way to prevent the spread of infection:

• Stay home when you're sick
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you sneeze or cough
• Wash your hands often with soap and water (20 seconds or longer) or use alcohol hand rub if no soap and water are available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces
• Clean and disinfect "high-touch" surfaces often

If you’re seriously ill, seek medical advice from a doctor or emergency department.

Based on current CDC guidance, person-to-person spread most likely occurs through respiratory droplets between people in close proximity, similar to influenza and other respiratory viruses.

• Prolonged exposure within six feet of an infected person would put you at risk for getting the virus.
• The period from exposure to symptom onset is believed to be within 14 days.
  • For example, if a person returned from an outbreak area more than 14 days ago, the person would be outside the window for disease onset.
• Practicing routine hygiene practices daily is the best way to prevent the spread of infection:
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol hand rub regularly, especially after coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with people that are sick.
  • Anyone who is ill should keep a safe distance (at least 3 feet) from others to reduce the risk of transmitting germs.
  • Stay home if you don’t feel well. If you’re seriously ill, seek medical attention.

If you have international travel scheduled in the coming weeks – especially to affected countries – you should monitor travel warnings carefully prior to departure.

• The CDC and the U.S. Department of State maintain travel alerts that can help you make the decision about going on your trip.

Who is most at risk for experiencing severe symptoms with COVID-19?

Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms.

Other groups typically at higher risk of infectious disease, such as pregnant women and young children, aren’t currently considered high risk.

What should I do if I’m in one of the at-risk groups?

The CDC continues to update recommendations for immunocompromised individuals and those at higher risk for severe COVID-19.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act and CARES Act requires that certain services and items related to COVID-19 testing are available at no cost to the patient. 

For ongoing health care needs, below are options for the recently unemployed who no longer have employer insurance coverage: 

• Cobra: Purchase a continuation of your employer’s insurance coverage 

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace: browse, compare and purchase from various health plans available under the ACA. Subsidies may be available for newly decreased incomes

• Ohio Medicaid: Coverage for eligible low-income children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, individuals with disabilities.  Current Medicaid enrollees should check to ensure their coverage is current. 

• Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Financial Assistance: If you are not eligible for any of the above programs, contact one of our financial counselors at 614-293-0860, option 2 for other options or assistance in applying for Ohio Medicaid. 

Please also note that some of your care may be completed via telehealth. As of 4/1/2020 the following insurance plans pay for video visits: Aetna, Anthem, Buckeye, CareSource, Cigna Behavioral Health, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Molina, OSU Health Plan, Paramount, United Behavioral Health, United Health Care, Medicare and all the Medicaid insurance plans. Cigna Medical is not currently covering video visits. You are responsible for your insurance plan co-pay. If you are unsure of your coverage, contact your insurance plan.