In an effort to keep you informed, we are answering your questions about the coronavirus pandemic that has forced millions of Americans to stay at home and sickened hundreds of thousands more. If you have any more questions, scroll to the bottom of this article and email us.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses common in humans and many animals. The new coronavirus spreading around the globe is SARS-CoV-2, which causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). You also may see it called novel coronavirus; “novel” means this particular coronavirus had not previously been identified.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever, a dry cough, body aches and fatigue, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers. Less common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and a loss of taste or smell.
How is it transmitted?
COVID-19 is spread a lot like the flu. It spreads through small droplets in the air caused by an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking. It is very infectious — on average it is believed one person can spread the coronavirus to more than two other people, according to the National Institutes of Health. It spreads from person to person, although there is now believed to be the first case of human-to-animal transmission of at least one tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City.
Is COVID-19 deadlier than the flu?
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and World Health Organization says mortality among COVID-19 patients looks higher than the flu. The research has not reached a conclusion yet, however, the NIH has seen evidence that the mortality rate is between 3% and 4%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projections do not provide a mortality rate for flu, but suggest as many as 63,000 Americans will die of it before the end of the year. In the last six weeks, 12,064 Americans have died of COVID-19 and 374,329 contracted the illness.
How long does the infection last?
A study suggests people with COVID-19 can remain infectious — sick, but not necessarily contagious — for up to 37 days. The median infectious period is 20 days. However, the CDC says people who complete the quarantine process and have been released do not “pose a risk of infection to other people.”
For some viral diseases, the human immune system can build up immunity once a person has been infected the first time. You can still get sick from the same virus, but it lessens your chance of getting sick again. There have been statistically insignificant reports of people being infected with COVID-19 twice, although the tests for the disease simply could have failed.
How long does the coronavirus remain in the air or on surfaces?
According to tests by the U.S. government and other scientists, SARS-CoV-2 can remain in the air for up to three hours, on copper for up to four hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on plastic or stainless steel for up to two or three days.
The American Chemistry Council’s Center for Biocide Chemistries has a list of cleaning products that are known to fight the coronavirus on various surfaces and fabrics.
If you are caring for someone with COVID-19, the CDC says to wash your hands after handling their clothes and not to shake them out if they aren’t clean.
Does wearing a face mask lower your risk of getting the coronavirus?
The CDC isn’t sure, but wearing a mask will lessen the chance that you will give the coronavirus to someone else.
The CDC now recommends people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth when in public places like grocery stores and pharmacies. Folks still need to stay at least 6 feet away to follow social distancing rules. Only children younger than 2, people who have trouble breathing or anyone who is unconscious or incapacitated shouldn’t wear a mask in public.
If you’ve already been infected with COVID-19, you should wear a face mask when around people or pets, according to the CDC.
I’m sick. How do I know if I should get a test for the coronavirus?
If you have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a cough or shortness of breath stay home unless you have underlying health conditions or you’re an older adult, according to Sentara. If you’re among a vulnerable population, call your doctor immediately. If you need immediate medical help, call 911.
How long does it take to get the results of a coronavirus test?
According to Sentara spokesman Dale Gaulding, it can take anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days depending on whether the test was sent to Sentara’s recently opened in-house lab or a commercial testing company like Quest or LabCorp. Tests for first responders, medical personnel and in-patients at the hospital are typically processed faster.
Can I leave my house?
Yes. Virginians can leave their homes under limited circumstances such as to go grocery shopping, pick up a prescription, visit a doctor, to take care of a family member or pet, travel as required by a court order, exercise or to be outside, travel to and from work, church, school, to volunteer or at the direction of first responders. Gov. Ralph Northam’s stay at home order is in place until June 10 unless it is amended or rescinded.
I’ve hurt myself in an accident, can I still go to the emergency room?
Yes, you can still go to the emergency room. Velocity Urgent Care stated in a news release they’ve seen fewer people come through their doors during the pandemic. “The issue is that too many people are foregoing care due to fear of the pandemic,” the release stated. “What may be a minor condition today can lead to something far more serious and costly to treat if ignored.” Emergency rooms at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center and Riverside Doctors’ Hospital in Williamsburg remain open. Velocity Urgent Care in New Town also remains open. If you think you may have contracted the coronavirus stay at home unless you need immediate medical help or are a member of a vulnerable population.
I’ve lost my job, am I eligible for unemployment insurance?
It depends. The federal aid package passed by Congress and approved by President Donald Trump increased unemployment checks to workers while expanding the eligible population of workers who can receive unemployment. If you lost your job or were furloughed due to the pandemic, you’ll need to tell the Virginia Employment Commission there was a “lack of work.” You’ll still need to file your unemployment claim weekly. Northam waived the state’s requirement to look for a new job during the pandemic.
In order to receive an unemployment check you must: be unemployed and not earn any money, be partially employed and earning less than your weekly unemployment benefit would be due to lack of work, file an application for unemployment, report any money earned, report the reason for your separation from your job, be able and available to work, file continued claims for unemployment assistance each week.
To file an unemployment claim by phone, call 1-866-832-2362 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. and noon on Saturday. Call volume has been high during the pandemic. The Virginia Employment Commission recommends those who can to file their initial claim online at vec.virginia.gov/unemployed.
Can I go jogging at the soccer field at my local school?
No. School property is off-limits due to Northam’s order, according to York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Shelley Ward. Anyone on school division property will be asked to leave or face a summons.
I haven’t been able to get my car inspected, is that OK?
The Virginia State Police has stopped enforcing late vehicle inspections until mid-May, according to the Virginian-Pilot archives.
Send your coronavirus questions to srobertsjr@vagazette.com.
Staff writer Nia Tariq contributed to this report. Steve Roberts Jr, srobertsjr@vagazette.com, 757-604-1329, @SPRoberts Jr on Twitter.
