SAN DIEGO — A coalition of San Diego leaders held a press conference on Thursday encouraging immigrants and refugees to access government and healthcare resources to stay healthy and informed during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Speakers highlighted bilingual resources available through County Public Health, 2-1-1, and health clinics and local hospitals. They will also reiterate that everyone has access to healthcare regardless of immigration status and highlight organizations and healthcare providers that offer services in multiple languages and serve immigrant communities.
Additionally, the COVID-19 Community Fund will not screen assistance applications for immigration status or coordinate in any way with federal immigration authorities.
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NEWS 8 joined forces with The San Diego Foundation to raise IMMEDIATE, EMERGENCY FUNDS for our most vulnerable neighbors in need. Here is how you can help.
BACKGROUND:
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
The CDC also says facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms of the virus. If you’re not sick, you do not have to wear a facemask. The CDC says the immediate risk to the U.S. public is low.
