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1. I think I have COVID-19, what should I do?

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2 -14 days after exposure. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Refer to the table for a list of symptoms and the type of action you should take based on your symptoms.

Symptoms	Action
Flu-like symptoms Low-grade fever Repeated shaking with chills Muscle pain Headache Sore throat New loss of taste or smell	Call your doctor or other medical facilities. Follow their directions.
High-grade fever Difficulty breathing Chest pains Other life-threatening signs and symptoms	Call 911

Please remember that emergency responders can not diagnose in the field. All individuals arriving at the ER are treated first - on the severity of their symptoms and second - on the order of arrival.

2. Where can I go to be tested?

• If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html).
• Currently, some medical centers/hospitals are putting in place temporary testing facilities. Please consult with your physician for further information.

3. How can I help protect myself?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, so the best way to protect yourself from illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Everyday preventative actions can help mitigate the spread of respiratory viruses including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, etc. daily using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • 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.
• Community-based interventions such as as social distancing, wearing masks and working remotely when possible can help slow the spread of COVID-19.

4. Should I wear a face mask?

Yes, all persons 10 years or older are required to wear a face mask or covering per Executive Order GA 29.

• The CDC advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
• Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. To learn more about homemade cloth face coverings, visit the CDC’s website.
• To learn more about homemade cloth face coverings, visit the CDC’s website.

5. Do I need to wear a mask when I am dining in a restaurant?

No, if you are eating, drinking or seated for dining consumption a mask is not required.

6. Am I required to wear a mask or face covering if I have health issues that make it difficult for me to wear one?

No, if wearing a mask or face covering poses a significant mental or physical health risk you are not required to wear one.

7. What qualifies as a sanitation station?

A sanitation station should include resources that allow patrons to sanitize their hands and/or shopping carts/baskets prior to being served. Resources can include, but aren’t limited to, a handwashing station, hand sanitizer, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

8. I want to donate goods to help my community, where do I start?

If you want to help out the community by donating food, toiletries and other supplies, contact Volunteer McKinney. 

During this time, Volunteer McKinney is coordinating services for non-profits in the city. Volunteer McKinney will send you and your gifts to where they are needed most right now.

Ph: 903-253-6746

Email: edie@volunteermckinney.org

Website: https://volunteermckinney.org/