Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

On April 2, 2020, Ohio Department of Health extended the Stay at Home Order until May 1, 2020. Click here to view the Amended Stay at Home Order.

View Stay at Home Order FAQ in English and Spanish.

What is novel coronavirus?

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

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What are the symptoms?

For confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.

What to Do If You Feel Sick

How can I protect myself?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection 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 viruses, including:

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.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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.

Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency in Hamilton County on March 12, 2020.

How Can I Learn More?

Regularly check the ODH or CDC websites for the latest information.

Sign up for text, email, or phone call alerts from Hamilton County officials by signing up for Alert Hamilton County. To sign up:

Go to www.alerthc.org
Log in to your existing Alert HC/Smart911 Account OR create a new account.
Choose “COVID-19 Alerts” from the opt-in alert list.

Download COVID-19 Preparedness Checklist

How does novel coronavirus spread?

Most often, spread from person-to-person happens among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Have Questions about COVID-19?

Ohio Department of Health has opened a call center to answer COVID-19 questions. The call center will be open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. & can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).