While the risk of contracting the coronavirus remains low, now is the time to prepare, not panic.

It’s not unlike when the National Weather Service issues a blizzard or hurricane watch. It’s not a bad idea to stock up on food, medical and cleaning supplies in case you or a loved one gets sick.

You also want to follow the latest travel guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Take the same precautions you would during the flu season. The best way to prevent the spread of this new virus is to cover your cough, stay home when you’re sick and avoid being within six feet of others who might be sick.

“This novel coronavirus causes a respiratory illness manifested by fever, cough and difficulty breathing,” said Dr. Virginia Bieluch, the chief of infectious diseases at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, at a news conference last month at Hartford Hospital.

More recommendations from the CDC include:

  • 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.
  • When using a hand sanitizer, make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Don’t shake hands. It’s not about being rude, it’s just being careful.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Take good care of yourself. For example, quite smoking. The healthier you are, the better your chances of “weathering the storm.”
  • Don’t wear face masks unless you are sick. They need to be conserved in case of emergency.
  • Consider what you would do if schools or daycares close.
  • Stay home if you are sick.

In Connecticut, where no coronavirus cases have been identified, health officials can only prepare, offer caution and wait. Hartford HealthCare has been working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff. All patients are asked about recent travel from affected countries. Hospital staff are also prepared to practice infection-control protocols if they encounter a patient who may have been exposed to this new virus.

“This is an evolving situation with coronavirus and it needs to be monitored very carefully,” said Dr. Ajay Kumar, Hartford HealthCare’s chief clinical officer. “Hartford HealthCare has always been very prepared for these kinds of  situations. We’re here to support the community.”

Patrick Turek, director of emergency preparedness, said Hartford HealthCare has activated its emergency operations center and its members meet daily to monitor the situation. He said Hartford HealthCare has conducted 45 drills in the past year to prepare for events like this.

“We know how to do this – we have done this for all the other diseases that have emerged,” said Dr. Kenneth Robinson, chief of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Hartford Hospital.

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.

Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent care doctor.

Stay with Hartford HealthCare for everything you need to know about the coronavirus threat. Click here for information updated daily.

Questions? Call our 24-hour hotline (860.972.8100 or, toll-free, 833.621.0600). 

Get text alerts by texting 31996 with COVID19 in the message field.