Coronavirus Resources for Clinicians and Patients
From the CDC Website; more info and for other languages click here
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads and the severity of illness it causes.
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
- Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. CDC recommends people practice frequent “hand hygiene,” which is either washing hands with soap or water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. CDC also recommends routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from person-to-person without stopping.
- The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people.
- Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
Are you a physician or retired physician or healthcare provider who is interested in helping during this COVID-19 crisis, please think about volunteering. Here is a link to the Allentown’s Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps
AMA Senior physician COVID-19 resource guide
COVID-19 in Pennsylvania: click here
Department of Health COVID-19 Information for Health Care Professionals
COVID-19 Resources for Businesses, Communities, and Local Governments
To contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health, call 1-877-724-3258
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency click here
COVID-19 Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal
The Allentown Health Bureau click here
COVID-19 safety videos click here
For information and resources from United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, please click here
Updates from the Pennsylvania Medical Society: click here
PAMED’s Telehealth During the COVID-19 Emergency: Guidance for Pennsylvania Physicians
For information on USDA Approval for COVID-19 Disaster Food Distribution
For information on Learning at Home with Pennsylvania Public Television
The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education has compiled a list of coronavirus education resources that can help clinicians respond. Click here This page includes a list of accredited continuing education (CE) activities and additional resources that can help the CE provider and clinician community respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
COVID-19: Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Resources:
Please click here for resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Updates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Information from the American Medical Association
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
Information from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
