COVID-19 (caused by the Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV) is the virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China, which is spreading worldwide.

• Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance
• Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel
• Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States
• Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings
• Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic
• Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible

Current understanding about the transmission, severity of illness, and other features of the virus is based on continued investigation by the CDC. The virus is mainly thought to spread from person-to-person.

Please reference the CDC website for the most up-to-date information about the spread of the virus.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• • • • • • Fever or chills
          • Cough
          • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
          • Fatigue
          • Muscle or body aches
          • Headache
          • New loss of taste or smell
          • Sore throat
          • Congestion or runny nose
          • Nausea or vomiting
          • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. The CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about COVID-19.

Please review the CDC website for additional information.

CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.

• • • • • • Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19
          • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
          • Masks should be worn by people two years and older
          • Masks should NOT be worn by children younger than two, people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance
          • Do NOT wear masks intended for healthcare workers, for example, N95 respirators
          • CDC does not recommend the use of face shields alone. Evaluation of face shields is ongoing but effectiveness is unknown at this time.
          • Evaluation of mask and gaiter materials and structure is ongoing.

The basic approach to prevent disease transmission is to:

• • • • • • • Identify patients who show symptoms.
            • Isolate those patients from others for assessment.
            • Inform appropriate staff and authorities for further response.

If people appear with symptoms, they will be asked to wear a mask and answer a series of questions about their health and travel. Based on their answers and vital signs, they may be isolated from other patients while COVID-19 test results can be verified.

Patients who test positive for COVID-19 are isolated and treated.

VNH is prepared to care for patients with COVID-19, as well as patients who are suspected of having the virus. We are actively screening patients prior to every visit, keeping patient and staff safety our first priority.

If unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated you must:

• • • Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19 or have a negative PCR test five days after being in contact with the positive person.
    • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
    • If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

If fully vaccinated (two doses in a two-dose series or one dose in a one-dose series) do not need to quarantine if ALL of the following are true:

• • • The COVID-19 exposure was at least 14 days after their vaccination series was completed.
    • No current symptoms of COVID-19

If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days and are exposed again, you do not need to quarantine if ALL of the following are true:

• • • Illness was laboratory-confirmed in the past 90 days
    • Have fully recovered
    • Do not currently have any symptoms of COVID-19

Maybe; not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first. Most people will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and may not need to be tested.

CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments and healthcare providers.

You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.

Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has directions for people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:

• • • • • • • • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
              • Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
              • ash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
              • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
              • Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
              • Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.

However, some people may need emergency medical attention. Watch for symptoms and learn when to seek emergency medical attention.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention:

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately

• • • • • • • • Trouble breathing
              • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
              • New confusion
              • Inability to wake or stay awake
              • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Local departments of public health and the CDC are responsible for publicly reporting COVID-19 cases.

• • • • • • • • View current information for New Hampshire at the NH Department of Health and Human Services website.

View current information for Vermont at the VT Department of Health website.

Dartmouth Health is committed to the privacy of its patients and complies with all applicable laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Dartmouth Health does not share patient-specific information with the media without prior authorization. D-HH collaborates with public health authorities, including the CDC and local public health authorities, as appropriate. These authorities are best positioned to provide public health information.