Coronavirus: Learn how to protect yourself and get the care you need
COVID-19 (often referred to as “Coronavirus”) has spread around the world and is impacting daily life in the United States. We urge everyone to PLEASE STAY HOME and do your part to save lives. More information on the virus can be found below.
This is the first crisis America has faced that is best solved by staying at home and watching TV. At first glance, this sounds easy – even fun. But we have no assurances of when we can return back to our normal activities. It is important to adjust to this “new normal” the best we can.
Coronavirus is likely to have many unexpected consequences as we are confined at home: anxiety & stress, anger, loneliness, family conflicts, substance use, and financial distress. But there is good news: Kemet is here to help.
Kemet is offering telemedicine for all services. You can access our counseling services with a cellphone or computer from the safety of your home. We continue to provide our full suite of services.
We are committed to serving our community. There is no greater time to invest in each other as we face a common adversary. Please call us if you feel alone, stuck, lost, frustrated, or even just plain bored. Even if we can’t help, we may know someone who can.
Much love from the team at Kemet. Hang in there. We’re in this together.
Patient Resources & FAQ:
At Kemet we want to educate our stakeholders responsibly about Coronavirus and prevent misinformation. We compiled the best information we can find on Coronavirus to help you through this difficult time.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
FAQs on Coronavirus:
Is Kemet Health physically open during this time?
No. We moved all of our in-person visits to virtual sessions online for the safety of our stakeholders. All evaluations, individual sessions, and group therapy classes can be completed in this manner.
What is coronavirus? What are the symptoms?
Coronavirus disease 19, or COVID-19, is a respiratory virus that spreads from person to person. People in close proximity (within about six feet) can pass the virus by coughing or sneezing, during which the uninfected person comes in contact with infected respiratory droplets. COVID-19 may also spread through contact with infected surfaces. The CDC tells us that the virus can survive on surfaces up to 17 days.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus are similar to symptoms of the flu. Along with mild to severe respiratory illness, the three telltale signs include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
As a virus, COVID-19 cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Is coronavirus a pandemic? What does that mean?
COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the term “pandemic” simply refers to a disease which has spread quickly and simultaneously over a large portion of the globe. The term carries no implications about the severity or curability of the condition.
Is there currently a vaccine for coronavirus?
There is currently no vaccine that protects against COVID-19. However, efforts are being made across the global scientific community to produce one. Estimates vary, but many experts expect this to take as long as 12-18 months.
How can I protect myself from coronavirus?
Your best defense against COVID-19 is proper hygiene practices. Specifically, hand-washing at every opportunity is most effective. It is very important to practice the proper hand-washing techniques described below to fully protect yourself against germs.
Most Effective: hand-washing with soap & water, to kill the most germs
Also Effective: using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, to reduce the amount of germs you carry.
Please note: hand sanitizer is not a sufficient replacement for soap and water, and you should always completely wash your hands when possible.
You can also protect yourself by cleaning and disinfecting your environment, as contact with infected surfaces may also spread COVID-19. Be a good citizen by treating public spaces and amenities as you would your home - use disinfectant wipes at your desk, keep surfaces clean, and sanitize your hands whenever you can.
I’ve heard a lot about quarantines. How do they work? Can I leave my house?
Yes - you can leave your house. But please only consider doing so if you absolutely have to. Extensive travel, especially flights or contact with groups of people puts you and others at serious risk.
Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. If you have recently traveled out of the country to a location currently reporting infections, or if you have come into contact with someone who has since tested positive for COVID-19, you may be asked to complete a quarantine.
Important note: The only group of people who are “at a higher risk” of contracting COVID-19 are those who have been exposed, regardless of race or nationality.
The quarantine period for coronavirus is 14 days, which is the longest observed incubation period for the disease. Once a person has completed a 14-day quarantine or been released from isolation, they are no longer at risk of infecting others.
Is everything I hear about coronavirus true?
There is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19. Here is a short list of some commonly-circulated, false statements about the virus which have been debunked by the WHO:
- Cold weather and hot baths do not prevent coronavirus.
- Alcohol and chlorine will not kill coronavirus.
- Cats, dogs and mosquitoes do not transmit coronavirus.
- You cannot contract coronavirus through contact with imported goods from China (or any other country which has reported cases of the virus).
If I begin to show symptoms, how can I get tested?
Reach out to your local hospital immediately. If you are having trouble reaching someone, give us a call at (703) 256-1600.
If I test positive for Coronavirus, how will my treatment proceed?
Coronavirus is a serious virus. You should focus your effort and attention to getting healthy before proceeding further with treatment at Kemet. But we will help you the best we can and remain available to coordinate with you through this.
If I have further questions about Coronavirus, who can I speak to?
We are following the Coronavirus situation closely. We may be able to help answer any number of questions; please give us a call.
Patient Resources & FAQ: Here is our list of verified resources about COVID-19.
Recommended Checklists:
Trusted Sources:
CDC:
WHO:
Kemet Health is here for you.
- Kemet is taking the necessary steps to protect the safety of our stakeholders. We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and provide updates as best we can.
- We are committed to serving our community. There is no greater time to invest in each other as we face a common adversary. Please call us if you feel alone, stuck, lost or frustrated.
- Much love from the team at Kemet. Hang in there. We’re in this together.
