Artist's conception of the novel Coronavirus, by Dave Barton
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​How did COVID-19 get it's name?
"COVID-19" is the name of the condition caused by the novel coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2). Ìý"Coronavirus" is a category of viruses, and "novel" Ìýmeans that it is newly identified by scientists. ÌýThis one was identified in 2019, hence the name Covid-19. ÌýThe World Health Organization (WHO) named the disease this way:ÌýCOronaVIrusÌýDisease-2019, or COVID-19. Ìý
Symptoms
​Like other viruses, this one causes a broad spectrum of symptoms, some of which can lead to serious health consequences, including death. ÌýIt is fast-moving, partly because of the fact that no one was immune to it when it arrived on the scene. Ìý Additionally, there is a long period of time during which a person is symptom-free but capable of spreading the virus before becoming ill; in many cases, people have no symptoms at all ever.ÌýÌýAge, gender, general health, and other factors predict the likelihood that someone will become symptomatic. ÌýSymptoms of COVID-19 includeÌý, and may includeÌýthe temporaryÌý.
Pandemic
The WHO declared COVID a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The organization's working definition of "pandemic" is "...Ìýthe worldwide spread of a new disease."ÌýÌý This is the first time that a corona virus has caused a pandemic, according toÌýÌý For this reason, countries, US states and territories, counties, and cities have developed policies to prevent the spread of the virus. ÌýMany people have lost their jobs or are working at home; students are studying from home, and so-called "non-essential" business are closed until it is safer to reopen.
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You can prevent the spread.
This virus appears to be spread through "droplet infection". ÌýDroplets are just that: tiny little drops of moisture containing (in this case) the coronavirus. ÌýWhen a person breathes, moisture leaves the mouth and nose containing microorganisms. ÌýThese droplets can be sent out for quite a distance, but seem to stop shy of 6 feet. ÌýThat's the reason for the "social distancing" orders.
How? ÌýBy
​cooperating with shelter-in-place orders
maintaining a 6-foot distance from other people
washing your hands with soap and water in a 20-second scrub after using the restroom and frequently during the day
avoidingÌýtouching your face, because your eyes, nose, and mouth provide a fairly direct link to your lungs, where the coronavirus likes to attach
Disinfecting surfaces like counters, desks, phones, door knobs, and other frequently touched surfaces
using a mask when out in public,Ìýif you must be around people you don't live with AND can't maintain a 6-foot distance. ÌýThe CDC and other health experts have updated this recommendation based on new research.Ìý
You can do your part to slow the spread of this virus!
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Community Testing for Covid-19​
For Ventura County Residents:
No appointment or doctor’s order needed
Drive-through (except the fairgrounds, which is a walk-in site) Please wear a mask
Free of charge
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No appointment or doctor’s order needed
Drive-through Please wear a mask
Free of charge
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Covid 19 Hotlines/Websites
Ventura County Public Health: 805-465-6650
Ventura County 2-1-1Ìý
Adventist health: 844-542-8840Ìý
​LA County 2-1-1Ìý
There's a lot you can do to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
ÌýStay home except for necessities like food or medicine.
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for 20 seconds.
Stay 6 ft. away from people you don't live with.
Wear a mask if 6 ft distance can't be maintained. Mask Information at
We can get through this together!
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A word (or So) ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Masks...
We now know that the proper use of masks plays an important role in curbing the spread of Covid-19. ÌýThere are some important points to remember when using a mask to help you and others stay as healthy as possible.
Wearing a mask protects others from you.ÌýÌýIf you are wearing a mask, but others are not, you are not protected, and should maintain a distance of 6 feet or more.
Wear a mask over your mouth AND your nose, and be sure it covers up under your chin.ÌýÌýAir flows through both your mouth and your nose, so covering one without the other is not effective. ÌýThe mask should feel snug against the face.
Keep the same side of your mask next to your nose and mouth with each wearing.ÌýÌýThe CDC suggests that the liner of a fabric mask be of a different cloth than the public-facing side to make it easier to remember.
Store mask folded in half with lining inside.ÌýÌýAlso, wash handsÌýas soon as possible before and after applying your mask, and try to handle by the ear bands or laces.
Launder cloth masks regularly and do not share masks with others.ÌýÌýIf you purchased a mask, follow laundering instructions. ÌýIf no directions, you can safely wash masks with a regular load of laundry andÌý
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Take Off Your Mask Carefully, When You’re Home
Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
Handle only by the ear loops or ties
Fold outside corners together
Place mask in the washing machine (learn more aboutÌý)
Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing
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Use of Disposable Face Covering
Surgical masks are not intended for multiple uses and should be discarded after one use in the trash (not the gutter, a parking lot, your neighbor's lawn...you get the point).
