Helpful information about the novel coronavirus
With the continuing spread of COVID-19 (#coronavirus) within the U.S., our health system is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health authorities, to care for affected individuals while taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within our communities.

Providence St. Joseph Health has created a resource site for our patients and visitors. We will share resources and updates on this page as the situation develops: https://www.providence.org/patients-and-visitors/coronavirus-advisory.

Key Messages:

  • If you are a returning traveler experiencing mild respiratory symptoms that do not usually require medical care such as a mild runny nose, sore throat or cough without fever (temperature less than 100.4 F), please stay home while ill and until symptoms clear. 
 
How to prepare and take action at work
Click here to visit the CDC's guidance site for businesses and employers to plan and respond to the Coronavirus.

Click here to view or print the World Health Organization's publication titled Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19. The publication was released yesterday, March 3, 2020.




Stay informed
The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Stay on top of the latest by visiting the CDC website, which is being updated frequently.
How to protect yourself
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • 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.
  • 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.
If you feel sick
  • Use home quarantine or home isolation:
  • Stay home if you believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you are not showing any symptoms.


  • Stay home when you are sick, especially if you have respiratory illness symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to a COVID-19 infection. Whether you have seasonal flu, the common cold, or something else, it’s important you stay away from others when sick.

  • Monitor yourself for fever, coughing and shortness of breath.

  • If you are experiencing symptoms and feel you need medical evaluation, please phone your medical provider or the emergency department before going in for care. This allows facilities and providers to take proper precautions to reduce the spread of disease.
Resources
Contact us:

Teresa Scott
Community Workforce Health Supervisor
St. Joseph Health - Northern California