Coronavirus Virus Disease (COVID-19)
Residents of Big Horn County
How to Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine for Big Horn County Residents:
All Big Horn County residents age 5 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Please sign up using one of the methods below. Residents 12 and older are eligible to receive a booster.
In addition, mass vaccination clinics will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Check back on this site for more details.
- Indian Health Service (IHS) - Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital: Call 406-638-3599 to schedule an appointment. IHS will vaccinate all Big Horn County residents, regardless of IHS eligibility, age 16 and older.
- Big Horn County Health Department: Call 406-665-8777 and leave a message with your name (please spell your name), age, date of birth, and phone number. Big Horn County Health Department will vaccinate all Big Horn County residents age 18 and older.
- SCL Health/Hardin Clinic: Call 406-665-2800 and press 0 to speak with the receptionist to leave a message with your name, age, date of birth, phone number. You will be placed on the list and contacted by the Hardin Clinic when the vaccine is available. Please note that all Hardin Clinic vaccinations will be done at One Health.
- One Health (formerly Bighorn Valley Health): Call 406-665-4103 for an appointment/to be put on a waiting list OR use the patient portal to schedule an appointment at https://www.chcfamily.org/patienthome
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care provider. Do not go to the doctor without calling first. If you do not have a primary care provider, just call one of the local clinics close to you:
Indian Health Service (IHS) has set up a 24-hour hotline to answer COVID-19 calls: 638-3527 to speak to a nurse
Bighorn Valley Health Center: 665-4103, press 3 to speak to nursing staff
Hardin Clinic (SCL-St. Vincent's): 665-2800, press 0 for the receptionist to speak with a medical professional
Big Horn Hospital: 665-2310, talk to the front desk - If you are severely ill and you think you need hospitalization, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Call the hospital to tell them you are coming to the ER and that you have respiratory symptoms. This way they will be ready for you.
Recent Travelers: If you recently traveled to a state or county experiencing COVID-19 and you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor or clinic immediately. Do not go to the clinic without calling first. Symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Other Questions: If you have questions about the response to the coronavirus in our community, you can call: Big Horn County Public Health at 406-665-8720 or
Big Horn County DES at 406-665-1731
For the most up-to-date information from the federal and state governments, visit the following websites:
Press inquiries can be directed to the Public Information Officer by calling 406-679-0572 or by Facebook.
Related Documents
- Press Release 21-30 - Mask Mandate to Remain 2021 02 12 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2021-2 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2021-1 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-9 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-8 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-7 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-6 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-5 ALL (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-4 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-3 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-14 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-13 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-12 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-11 (PDF)
- Order of BHC Public Health Officer 2020-10 (PDF)
- Executive Order 2021 - 1 (PDF)
- Executive Order 2020-6 (PDF)
- Download Presiding Officer (Executive) Order 2020-1 (PDF)
- BHC Local Health Order 2021-3 (PDF)
To curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Big Horn County Public Health Officer today announced measures to close dine-in food service and alcoholic beverage businesses, and lodging including fishing/hunting lodges, resorts, AirBNB/Home Away/VRBO facilities in the County that pose enhanced health risks, effective at 5 pm on Friday, March 20, 2020. This Directive expires at 12:01 am on March 28, 2020, though the date will likely be extended. This Order supplements any Orders or Directives of the State of Montana or the United States Government regarding the COVID-19 virus.
While closed, lodging establishments may provide lodging to personnel essential to the people of Big Horn County, including medical, law enforcement, mortuary, sanitation, child care, retail, including grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores, and take-out restaurant workers.
"We support our Public Health Officer in the need to protect the citizens of Big Horn County and beyond during this pandemic. We each need to take the risks seriously and protect ourselves and one another," said George Real Bird III, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for Big Horn County. "While this is a difficult decision, continuing business as usual endangers the lives of our community and beyond."
Under the Order, the following places are closed to ingress, egress, use, and occupancy by members of the public:
- Restaurants, cafes, coffeehouses, and other similar establishments offer food or beverage for on-premises consumption.
- Alcoholic beverage service businesses, including bars and other establishments offering alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
- Casinos
- Establishments that provide "full-service experience" including fishing/hunting lodges, resorts, and AirBNB/Home Away/VRBO facilities.
The places subject to this order are permitted and encouraged to offer food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service, and to use precautions in doing so to mitigate the potential transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing.
- Read Press Release (PDF)
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- Press Release - 4th Case 2020 05 11 (PDF)
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- Press Release - 1 Addtl Case 2020 05 31 (PDF)
- Press Release - 1 Addtl Case 2020 06 01 (PDF)
- Press Release - 5 Addtl Cases 2020 06 03 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-18 - 1st Death 2020 06 05 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-19 - Order to Increase Restrictions (PDF)
- Press Release 20-20 - 2 Addtl Cases 2020 06 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-21 - 1 Addtl Case 2020 06 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-22 - 2 Addtl Cases 3 Hosp 2020 06 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-23 - 1 Addtl Case 4 Recover 4 Hosp 2020 06 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-24 - 1 Addtl Case 5 Hosp 2020 06 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-26 - 1 New Case 2020 06 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-27 - 3rd Death 2 New Cases 2020 06 16 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-28 - 4 New Cases - Children 2020 06 17 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-29 - 2 New Cases 2020 06 19 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-30 - 3 New Cases 2020 06 20 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-31 - 5 New Cases 2020 06 22 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-32 - 3 New Cases 2020 06 22 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-33 - 2 New Cases 2020 06 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-34 - 2 New Cases 2020 06 24 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-35 - 2 New Cases 2020 06 25 Corrected (PDF)
- Press Release 20-36 - Order to Wear Masks 2020 06 26 Corrected (PDF)
- Press Release 20-37 - 1 New Case 2020 06 28 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-38 - 1 New Case 2020 06 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-39 - 9 New Cases 2020 07 01 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-40 - 4th Death 4 New Cases 2020 07 02 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-41 - 2 New Cases 2020 07 04 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-42 - 1 New Case 2020 07 05 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-43 - 1 New Case 2020 07 05 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-44 - 1 New Case 3 Hospitalized 2020 07 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-45 - 2 New Cases 2020 07 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-46 - 3 New Cases Trends 2020 07 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-47 - 8 New Cases 4 Hosp 2020 07 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-48 - 3 New Cases 2020 07 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-49 - 3 New Cases 1 Community Spread 2020 07 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-50 - 2 New Cases 2020 07 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-51 - 4 New Cases 2020 07 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-52 - 5th Death 2020 07 12 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-53 - 3 New Cases Surpass June 2020 07 12 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-54 - 7 New Cases 2020 07 13 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-55 - 3 New Cases 2020 07 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-56 - 2 New Cases 2020 07 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-57 - 2 New Cases 2020 07 16 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-58 - 4 New Cases 2020 07 17 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-59 - 6 New Cases 6 Hosp 2020 07 18 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-60 - 4 New Cases 2020 07 19 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-61 - 12 New Cases 2020 07 20 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-62 - 4 New Cases 2020 07 21 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-63 - 10 New Cases 2020 07 22 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-64 - BHC Employees 2020 07 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-65 - 34 New Cases 2020 07 24 Corrected (PDF)
- Press Release 20-66 - 11 new cases 2020 07 26 CORRECTED (PDF)
- Press Release 20-67 - 2 New Cases 2020 07 27 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-68 - 16 new cases 2020 07 28 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-69 - 19 new cases 35 total for 7 28 2020 07 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-70 - Statement on County workforce 2020 07 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-71 - 6th death 30 new cases 2020 07 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-72 - 7th death 2020 07 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-73 - 8th death 2020 07 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-74 - 9th death 8 new cases 2020 07 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-75 - 21 new cases 2020 07 31 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-76 - 13 new cases 2020 08 01 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-77 - 10th 11th deaths 14 new cases 2020 08 02 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-78 - 6 new cases 2020 08 03 CORRECTED (PDF)
- Press Release 20-79 - 10 new cases 2020 08 03 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-80 - 15 new cases 2020 08 04 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-81 - 12th 13th 14th deaths 18 new cases 2020 08 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-82 - Stay Home More Often 2020 08 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-83 - 18 New Cases 2020 08 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-84 - 13 New Cases 2020 08 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-85 - 33 New Cases over Weekend 2020 08 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-86 - 13th Death 12 New Cases 2020 08 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-87 - 15 New Cases 2020 08 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-88 - 12 New Cases 2020 08 12 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-89 - 17 New Cases 2020 08 13 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-90 - 17 New Cases 2020 08 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-91 - 4 New Cases 2020 08 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-92 - 18 New Cases 2020 08 16 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-93 - 14 New Cases 2020 08 17 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-94 - 9 New Cases 2020 08 18 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-95 - 14th Death 2020 08 19 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-96 - 15th Death 9 New Cases 2020 08 20 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-97 - 13 New Cases 2020 08 21 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-98 - 7 New Cases 2020 08 22 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-99 - 6 New Cases 2020 08 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-100 - 5 New Cases 2020 08 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-101 - 12 New Cases 2020 08 25 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-102 - 9 New Cases 2020 08 25 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-103 - 7 New Cases 2020 08 26 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-104 - 6 New Cases 2020 08 27 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-105 - 20 New Cases 2020 08 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-106 - 7 New Cases 2020 08 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-107 - 16th Death 9 New Cases 2020 08 31 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-108 - 11 New Cases 2020 09 01 Corrected (PDF)
- Press Release 20-109 - 13 New Cases 2020 09 02 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-110 - 5 New Cases 2020 09 03 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-111 - 16 New Cases 2020 09 04 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-112 - 6 New Cases 2020 09 04 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-113 - 17th Death 7 New Cases 2020 09 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-114 - 1 New Case 2020 09 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-115 - 13 New Cases 2020 09 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-116 - 18th 19th Deaths 2020 09 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-117 - 16 New Cases 2020 09 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-118 - 17 New Cases 2020 09 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-119 - 8 New Cases 2020 09 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-120 - 4 New Cases 2020 09 12 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-121 - 20th 21st Deaths 10 New Cases 2020 09 13 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-122 - 6 New Cases 2020 09 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-123 - 10 New Cases 2020 09 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-124 - 15 New Cases 2020 09 16 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-125 - 11 New Cases 2020 09 18 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-126 - 16 New Cases 2020 09 18 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-127 - 7 New Cases 2020 09 19 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-128 - 4 New Cases 2020 09 20 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-129 - 14 New Cases 2020 09 21 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-130 - 22nd Death 2020 09 22 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-131 - 9 New Cases 2020 09 22 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-132 - 12 New Cases 2020 09 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-133 - 3 New Cases 2020 09 24 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-134 - 21 New Cases 2020 09 26 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-135 - 12 New Cases 2020 09 26 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-136 - 6 New Cases 2020 09 27 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-137 - 12 New Cases 2020 09 28 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-138 - 23rd Death 4 New Cases 2020 09 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-139 - 5 New Cases 2020 09 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-140 - 24th Death 17 New Cases 2020 10 01 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-141 - 14 New Cases over 1000 Total 2020 10 02 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-142 - 15 New Cases 2020 10 04 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-143 - 12 New Cases 2020 10 05 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-144 - 9 New Cases 2020 10 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-145 - 25th 26th 27th Deaths 2020 10 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-146 - 17 New Cases 2020 10 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-147 - 11 New Cases 2020 10 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-148 - 28th Deaths 2020 10 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-149 - 16 New Cases 2020 10 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-150 - 29th Death 4 New Cases 2020 10 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-151 - 30th 31st Death 21 New Cases - 2Days 2020 10 13 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-152 - 32nd Death 18 New Cases 2020 10 13 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-153 - 18 New Cases 2020 10 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-154 - 33rd 34th Deaths 26 New Cases 2020 10 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-155 - 21 New Cases 2020 10 16 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-156 - 35th Deaths 2020 10 17 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-157 - 8 New Cases 2020 10 17 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-158 - 22 New Cases 2020 10 18 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-159 - 36th Death 5 New Cases 2020 10 19 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-160 - 19 New Cases 2020 10 19 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-161 - 15 New Cases 2020 10 20 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-162 - 29 New Cases 2020 10 21 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-163 - 15 New Cases 2020 10 22 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-164 - 18 New Cases 2020 10 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-165 - 12 New Cases 2020 10 25 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-166 - 17 New Cases 2020 10 26 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-167 - 18 New Cases 2020 10 27 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-168 - 37th Death 13 New Cases 2020 10 28 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-169 - 38th Death 2020 10 28 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-170 - 17 New Cases 2020 10 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-171 - 20 New Cases 2020 10 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-172 - 9 New Cases 2020 10 31 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-173 - 39th 40th Deaths 2020 11 01 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-174 - 33 New Cases 2020 11 02 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-175 - 23 New Cases 2020 11 03 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-176 - 14 New Cases 1500 Total 2020 11 05 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-177 - 23 New Cases 2020 11 05 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-178 - 19 New Cases 2020 11 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-179 - 19 New Cases 2020 11 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-180 - 6 New Cases 2020 11 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-181 - 12 New Cases 2020 11 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-182 - 13 New Cases 2020 11 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-183 - 24 New Cases 2020 11 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-184 - 41st Death 2020 11 12 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-185 - 26 New Cases 2020 11 12 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-186 - 16 New Cases 2020 11 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-187 - 42nd Death 2020 11 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-188 - 14 New Cases 2020 11 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-189 - 43rd Death 6 New Cases 2020 11 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-190 - 44th Death 31 New Cases 2020 11 16 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-191 - 45th Death 2020 11 17 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-192 - 46th Death 27 New Cases 2020 11 17 (PDF)
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- Press Release 20-195 - 47th Death 25 New Cases 2020 11 21 (PDF)
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- Press Release 20-199 - 26 New Cases 2020 11 24 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-200 - 12 New Cases 2020 11 25 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-201 - 14 New Cases 2020 11 27 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-202 - 9 New Cases 2020 11 29 (PDF)
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- Press Release 20-204 - 48th Death 2020 11 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-205 - 22 New Cases 2020 11 30 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-206 - 22 New Cases 2020 12 01 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-207 - 17 New Cases 2020 12 02 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-208 - 10 New Cases 2020 12 03 (PDF)
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- Press Release 20-210 - 12 New Cases 2020 12 05 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-211 - 49th Death 17 New Cases 2020 12 06 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-212 - 50th Death 2020 12 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-213 - 13 New Cases 2020 12 07 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-214 - 51st Death 2020 12 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-215 - 52nd Death 10 New Cases 2020 12 08 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-216 - 53rd Death 2020 12 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-217 - 4 New Cases 2020 12 09 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-218 - 54th Death 2020 12 10 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-219 - 16 New Cases 2 Days 2020 12 11 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-220 - 55th Death 6 New Cases 2020 12 12 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-221 - 4 New Cases 2020 12 13 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-222 - 56th Death 2020 12 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-223 - 57th Death 18 New Cases 2020 12 14 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-224 - 58th Death 2020 12 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-225 - 17 New Cases 2020 12 15 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-226 - 13 New Cases 2020 12 16 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-227 - 59th Death 7 New Cases 2020 12 17 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-228 - 8 New Cases 2 Days 2020 12 19 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-229 - 13 new cases 2020 12 21 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-230 - 7 New Cases 2020 12 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-231 - 60th Death 2020 12 23 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-232 - 6 New Cases 2020 12 24 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-233 - 61st Death 13 New Cases 2020 12 26 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-234 - 3 New Cases 2020 12 29 (PDF)
- Press Release 20-235 - 62nd 63rd Deaths 7 New Cases 2020 12 30 (PDF)
- Has anyone tested positive for COVID-19 in Montana?
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To date, there are confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus in Big Horn County. This is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have questions about what is happening in Big Horn County, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, you can reach us by calling 406-548-0123.
- What is health department doing to prepare for the COVID-19 disease?
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Incident command has been initiated in Big Horn County. The health department has been meeting regularly with community stakeholders to assist in the coordination of screening, diagnosis, and follow-up for the residents of Big Horn County. We have been in close contact with the city, county and state officials, and local businesses in an attempt to help mitigate to effect COVID-19 has on our community. The department has also hired additional staff for communications and response needs.
- How can I prevent myself and others from getting it?
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There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The measures that you take to prevent exposure to COVID-19 are the same precautions people take for seasonal influenza. Take steps to protect yourself and others (taken from CDC COVID-19 Protect Yourself)
- Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact (called social distancing)
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Stay home if you're sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- If you need to leave the house for medical care and you are sick, wear a facemask.
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider's office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
- If you are not sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
- Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface. Options include:
- Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water, OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
- Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix:
- To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface. Options include:
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Alcohol solutions.
- Ensure solution has at least 60% alcohol.
- Alcohol solutions.
- Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
- Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
- Clean your hands often
- Can wearing a mask protect me from getting COVID-19?
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- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. People who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
- If you are not sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers
- Should I make homemade sanitizer?
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No. There is a lot of misleading information about making homemade hand sanitizer. Some of the recipes do not provide a high enough percentage of alcohol to be effective, while others do not take into account skin protection. Proper handwashing is still the best preventive tool. Hand sanitizers do not clean hands, and the dirtier your hands are, the less effective the hand sanitizer may be. Hand sanitizers can also be harsh on your hands, especially when made incorrectly, leading to hands that burn with subsequent hand sanitizer use. Until better guidance is provided by CDC, make hand washing the priority or use commercially-made hand sanitizer.
- Are household cleaners and disinfectants effective against COVID-19?
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Current information from the WHO and the CDC indicates that many standard household disinfectants are effective. The CDC recommends looking on disinfectants and seeing if they can "kill" SARS-like or CoV-2. It is believed that a 60% alcohol or a bleach solution of 1/3 cups per gallon of water or 4 teaspoon per quart of water will work. The bleach solution should be changed daily.
- Should I avoid public spaces?
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If you are sick, please stay home and avoid public spaces. If you are well, you should assess your own risk and practice proper precautions including social distancing. If you are over 60 years of age or have underlying health conditions, you will be at elevated risk and are encouraged to limit exposure.
- What does isolation and quarantine mean, and when will that happen?
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Quarantine is the term used for people who may have been exposed to the disease and have not yet developed symptoms. Isolation serves the same purpose as quarantine. Isolation is the term used for people diagnosed with the disease who need to limit their contact. It keeps people infected with COVID-19 away from healthy people to prevent the sickness from spreading. The health department will continue to monitor our community for cases and follow the guidance from other agencies regarding isolation and quarantine.
- What is the Coronavirus Disease?
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The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that can spread from person-to-person. It was first identified in Wuhan, China. The virus that causes the disease, COVID-19, has been named SARS CoV 2.
- Why is the disease being called Coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19?
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There are many types of human coronaviruses. Four kinds of coronavirus circulate on a seasonal basis causing common cold symptoms. COVID-19 is a new disease caused by a new (or novel) coronavirus (SARS CoV 2) that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practices for naming new human infectious diseases.
- How does it spread?
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Taken from CDC COVID-19 COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Transmission is thought to occur the following ways:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs.
- It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
- What are the symptoms?
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Symptoms range from mild to severe and show 2 to 14 days after exposure. The most common symptoms are fever greater than 100.4 Fahrenheit, dry cough, muscle aches and fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
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- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
- I have recently traveled. Do I need to get tested or call the health department?
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At the present time, you do not need to be tested unless you meet the criteria for testing. Criteria for travel-related testing: Travel to a Level 3 country in the last 14 days and symptoms.
- My boss wants me to get tested due to recent travel in the US. Is this recommended by the health department?
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No. The test is not designed to screen exposure, but to diagnose illness.
- Is the health department currently monitoring the health of travelers who have returned from overseas?
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The health department is following CDC guidance for people who have traveled to or through countries with travel advisories. People are asked to check in with the health department upon returning and receive guidance on monitoring for symptoms and whether they need to limit movement in the community.
- Should I suspend my travel plans?
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Consider the importance of your trip. You should check the CDC's travel recommendations, keeping in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly changing situation and that advisories may change during your trip to include your destination or layover locations. When making travel decisions, you not only need to think about the risk of getting COVID-19, but also how your return travel and daily activities may be affected once you get home. If you are in the high-risk group of those over 60 years of age or those with underlying medical conditions, please reconsider all non-essential travel.
- What should I do if I think I have it?
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If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Refer to the CDC's guidance if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might be.
- When should someone get tested for COVID-19?
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If a person believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, they should call their healthcare provider for medical advice. Refer to the CDC’s guidance if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might be.
- Is there a vaccine or treatment for the COVID-19 disease?
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Not at this time. Vaccine research is currently underway.
- Can I be tested if I have no symptoms?
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The test has been designed to diagnose the illness, not to screen for it. The test will not be not accurate unless you have symptoms.
- Should I stay home from work, school, or restrict my everyday activities?
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If you are sick: Please stay home. If you are well and not at high-risk for COVID: Please practice social distancing, and other COVID precautions, and consider the risk to your health when making decisions. If you are well AND at high-risk for COVID: Please take additional precautions.
- Employment: Work with your employer to see if there are ways to work remotely or if they can provide other accommodation.
- School: Follow the recommendations of the school. Practice preventative measures such as social distancing and hand washing.
- Everyday activities and events: Use your judgment and assess your risk. Use online platforms and methods when possible to conduct personal business. Practice social distancing, proper hand washing, and reconsider attending functions with large groups of people. Stay connected with your friends, family, and neighbors for assistance.
- What can I do to protect my employees in the workplace?
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We encourage you to do the following:
- Review your employee illness policy to ensure that employees can stay home when sick to take care of themselves and prevent spreading illness to coworkers, customers, and clients. Ask employees to stay home if they have coughing, fever, or shortness of breath. If your policy requires a note from a medical professional, we encourage you to temporarily suspend the policy.
- Ensure that employees have a way to wash hands with soap and water at the workplace. Encourage employees to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.
- Increase cleaning and disinfection of shared areas and commonly touched surfaces, including customer areas. Many standard household disinfectants will work. Check to see if they are effective against CoV-2 or SARS-like viruses. There is also a list of EPA-registered disinfectants that will work.
- Think about essential staffing needed to continue operations in case you do have employees who call in sick.
- Think about how you can continue to serve customers and clients using online methods.
- Reconsider all non-essential travel.
- Provide employees, especially those who are high-risk, ways to telecommute or provide other reasonable accommodation.
- Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation (CDC)
- Strategies to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities (CDC)
- What You Should Know About Caring for Patients with Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Infection (CDC)
- Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
- Germ Prevention Strategies
- Situation Summary (CDC)
- Just for Kids: An Informational Comic Exploring Coronavirus (NPR)
- Op-Ed written by our Health Officer: Each of us holds the power to protect ourselves against coronavirus (CDC)
- What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus Outbreak (AARP)
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (CDC)