April 28, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized six additional symptoms of COVID-19, which could appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms are: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Previously, the CDC listed just three known symptoms: shortness of breath, cough and fever.
“This development from the CDC will allow more symptomatic individuals to be tested and provide us with a greater idea of the scope of infection,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “Residents should be aware of these additional symptoms and continue to stay home and practice social distancing. We know that our mitigation measures are working, and we must remain diligent to prevent a spike in new cases”
The Columbia VEIP Station testing site has been opened since April 7th and is operating by appointment only, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m – 2 p.m. To qualify for testing, residents will need to get a referral from their healthcare provider and will then be given directions on how to register online and make an appointment at a test site. At the test sites, residents will remain in their vehicles with the windows rolled up until they receive their test.
After receiving their test, residents will be given additional information about how to properly self-isolate at home. If symptoms worsen, residents should contact their healthcare provider, especially if they experience shortness of breath.
Mental Health Resources
Grassroots is hosting virtual QPR (Questions, Persuade and Refer) Trainings — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help. Register at www.grassrootscrisis.org/events/
Resources for Depression
- Grassroots Crisis Intervention, 410-531-6677
- Behavioral Health Navigator, 410-313-6202
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-8255
- Howard County Health Department
- Howard County Network of Care
- Teen Health Matters
The Howard County Autism Society is offering small Emergency Grants (up to $250) to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism and their families who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 through its Madhu Thibaudeau Family Fund. Funds can be used to cover the cost of food, rent, utilities, medical needs, autism-related materials or other critical needs. Download the grant application at https://howard-autism.org/madhu-fund-covid-19-small-grants/
The “Madhu Fund” was created in memory of Madhu Thibaudeau, a long-time HCAS member, board member, volunteer and staff member, who passed away suddenly in March 2019. Her legacy of kindness, support and giving is remembered with the creation of this fund and the many donations made in her name to the Howard County Autism Society. Support for the grants was provided through the generous support of the Howard County Community Relief Fund and many individual donors.
Additional autism-specific COVID-19 resources are available at www.howard-autism.org Questions? info@howard-autism.org or 410-290-3466.