What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 (formally known as 2019-nCoV) is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Only the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health labs are authorized to provide testing for COVID-19 in the U.S.

• Schedule an appointment with your doctor for the flu vaccine or visit your local pharmacy if you have not already been vaccinated. Coronavirus-19 presents with similar symptoms, so in order to protect yourself and others around you, vaccinate yourself!
• Currently, CPL, Quest Diagnostics, or LabCorp are not allowed to run any tests, and all tests have to be run by the CDC through your local health department. If you are experiencing the symptoms below, please refer to this website for the Austin Public Health Department: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/health or call 512-972-5555.
• Quarantine yourself for 14 days if presenting with symptoms.

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 going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or bent elbow (if tissue is unavailable), then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid all non-essential travel to the following countries: China, Japan, Iran, Italy, South Korea.

You can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

You can visit the CDC website for more information. Click here for a Coronavirus fact sheet.