Coronavirus: Just the Facts
There is a lot of information circulating about the Coronavirus and the effects it may have in our area. We have visited the Alabama Health Department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to collect the most current information to share with our partners.
(March 10, 2020) There have not been any changes to the daily operation of the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) or our upcoming events but we are continuing to monitor the situation. If it is recommended by the CDC, the AL Health Dept., or Mobile County Health Dept. that we make changes to any of our operations, we will comply and notify our partner agencies, company partners, and the public.
Know the Facts
Fact 1 – Disease can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. 
People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.
Fact 2 – Some people are at increased risk of getting COVID-19. People who have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or people who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread are at increased risk of exposure.
Fact 3 – Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people. For up-to-date information visit http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19
Fact 4 – You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms: fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Fact 5 – There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy. Wash 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. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19 
Download Fact Sheets 20-Coronavirus sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet / 20-Coronavirrus share-facts-h
What to do if you are sick with Coronavirus?
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Wear a facemask
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean your hands often
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.
- Monitor your symptoms
Discontinuing home isolation – Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be make on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Other helpful links:
- Summary – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
- Resources for Healthcare Facilities – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/index.html
- Resources for Specific Groups – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/pregnant-women-and-children.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fpregnant-women.html
- Resources for Homeless Shelters – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/homeless-shelters/index.html