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1. What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people.

2. How does COVID-19 spread?

Health experts are still learning the details. Currently it is thought to spread:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Via 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 be inhaled into the lungs.

3. How severe is COVID-19?

Most coronavirus illnesses are mild with fever and cough. The vast majority of people with novel coronavirus infection do not require hospital care. A much smaller percentage of people get severely ill with respiratory problems like pneumonia. Elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions are at highest risk.

4. What are the symptoms?

People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

5. When do I seek medical evaluation and advice?

If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

If you have difficulty breathing, it doesn’t mean you have novel coronavirus, but you should call 9-1-1.

If you’re over 60 and you have underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. Come up with a plan with your doctor to identify your health risks for coronavirus and how to manage symptoms. Contact your doctor right away if you do have symptoms.

6. How can I avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19?

It’s important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable. Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:

• wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

If you are traveling overseas, check for the latest COVID-19 Travel Alerts and follow the CDC’s Travelers’ Health guidance: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections.

7. How is COVID-19 treated?

There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild COVID-19 illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization

8. Should I wear a face mask in public?

The Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that people wear cloth face coverings when they are in public settings where they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others such as the grocery store, pharmacy, health clinic or similar places. This is not a mandate but considered an additional layer of protection. Social distancing and proper hygiene practices are still the preferred deterrent. The CDC has created DIY cloth face covering instructions

9. What is the difference between an outbreak, an epidemic and a pandemic?

An epidemic (or outbreak) refers to an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area. A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease, usually affecting many people. 

10. Where can I find additional COVID-19 resources?

The Department of Health has provided the following resources:

• DOH Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage
• Workplace and Employers
• COVID-19 Data Dashboard

11. How has COVID-19 affected water quality in Redmond?

• Redmond’s drinking water remains safe and protected against contaminants, including COVID-19.
• The City considers drinking water service and quality monitoring essential functions that will continue to be fully operational.
• The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. The City of Redmond’s drinking water is chlorinated which is proven effective at removing/inactivating viruses.
• The City continues to monitor drinking water infrastructure for security and maintaining water disinfection standards.
• The water distribution system is visited daily to make sure everything is operating normally.

For more information visit:

• https://www.awwa.org/Resources-Tools/Resource-Topics/Coronavirus

12. Is the permitting team working while City Hall is closed?

Yes. All non-essential staff, including Redmond’s Permit Center staff, are working from home and are continuing to process permits. All permit applications are being processed remotely via permittech@redmond.gov or www.redmond.gov/REPS.

13. Is the City currently performing inspections?

Yes. City inspections are considered an essential function. Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire inspections are all operational. Please continue to schedule your inspection via www.redmond.gov/REPS or by phone at 425-556-2435.