COVID-19: Broader symptoms released by county health department
Press conference included guidelines for wearing a mask
-During Monday’s press conference, San Luis Obispo County Public Health Director, Dr. Penny Borenstein, announced broadened symptoms for COVID-19. Testing capacity has increased in the county, and she encourages those with even minor symptoms to seek testing.
In addition to a fever, cough and shortness of breath, Dr. Borenstein listed the following:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Tiredness
- Chills
- Possibly diarrhea under certain circumstances
These symptoms may or may not be accompanied by a high temperature.
Contact your primary care physician first to inquire about testing. If your physician is unable to test you for any reason, some urgent care providers do.
Visit readyslo.org for more information about symptoms, testing, and urgent care providers that provide testing.
If you are sick but are having trouble getting tested, please call the County Public Health Department at (805) 781-5500.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Wear a mask
Dr. Borenstein said that wearing a face mask helps prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus when the mask is worn and handled properly. A mask is especially helpful to prevent the wearer from spreading the virus. Symptoms can appear with a few days to a few weeks of exposure and some of those exposed never have symptoms, but can still spread the virus.
Wearing a mask is “not yet mandated,” said Borenstein, but it is consistent with “current mitigation efforts.” Borenstein stressed that wearing a mask properly is important.
- Don’t remove the mask while in public
- Just as you don’t touch your face, don’t touch the mask
- If you must remove the mask in public, don’t set it down then put it back on
- If the mask is washable, wash it at least once a day
- Save the N95 masks for the front-line medical personnel and first responders
Wearing a mask is an additional means of reducing the spread of the virus. Maintaining a safe 6-foot distance should remain a primary means for reducing exposure to the virus.
Related: Let’s all do our part and cover our mouths and noses in public.
- Follow all local COVID-19 coronavirus news updates
- San Luis Obispo County COVID-19 website – readyslo.org
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