COVID-19

This guide aims to provide current information and reliable resources for understanding and responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Updated information and guidance will be provided as they become available from public health authorities.

• San Antonio Metro Health COVID-19 Information: Current risk level is LOW & STEADY.D.  II

WHAT IS COVID-19? 

Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 that was first identified as part of an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. As COVID-19 spreads among people, more variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge, and currently Omicron is the dominant variant in the U.S.

• Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know

HOW DOES COVID-19 SPREAD?
The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads very easily from person to person through close contact (within 6 feet).

• When people with COVID-19 cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe they produce respiratory droplets containing the virus. These droplets range in size from visible spittle to microscopic particles and can cause infection when they are inhaled or deposited on mucous membranes (such as those that line the inside of the nose and mouth) through close or direct contact.
• Under certain conditions, people with COVID-19 seem to have infected others who were more than 6 feet away. Such airborne transmissions can occur in enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation; however, it is much more common for COVID-19 to spread through close contact with an infected person than through airborne transmission.
• People who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. 
• It may be possible that a person can become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not a common way that COVID-19 spreads.
• More info at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and avoid exposure to this virus. People with COVID-19 have a wide range of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to respiratory failure with multi-organ dysfunction and death in severe cases. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19.    

• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, especially indoors. This helps reduce the risk of infection both by close contact and by airborne transmission.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others whenever possible. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer eiyh at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Stay home and isolate from others when sick.

 

24/7 Mental Health Support Line

Texas Health and Human Services launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Call toll-free at 1.833.986.1919 anytime to speak to a counselor.

 

Pandemics can be stressful, especially when you are staying away from others. During this time, it’s important to maintain social connections and care for your mental health.

 

How to #BeTheDifference For People With Mental Health Concerns During COVID-19

 

Q&A with NAMI Texas’ executive director about mental health during the pandemic 

See more Counseling & Wellness Resources here.