Your coronavirus questions answered: Can COVID-19 infect our water system?

A patient is tested by a healthcare professional at a drive-thru testing site for COVID-19 at United Memorial Medical Center Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Houston. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

We’ve received questions from Houstonians on concerns with COVID-19 and shared them with Vivian Nriagu, MD, Partner/Owner Memorial Village Emergency Room who is also a longtime physician with experience working in Houston trauma centers and emergency rooms.

She took the time to answer some of your questions:

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I don’t think we will be ready to go back to normal anytime soon. Why the rush when full testing to others without symptoms just happened?

Federal social distancing guidelines were extended till April 30. There is no rush to return to normal.

Can we take a ride in our car to get out for a while, perhaps enjoy the wildflowers, during the shelter in place order?

Yes. Self care and mental health is important during this time. It is OK to go for a car ride.

Can COVID-19 infect our water system? Can mosquitoes pass COVID-19? Can cats/dogs get infected? How do you sanitized fruits/vegetables?

The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19. There is no known case of mosquito transmission on COVID.

Past questions we have answered

Was wondering if “Keep your nose clean” should be part of the prevention protocol?

Regularly rinsing your nose with saline will not prevent infection with COVID-19.

What are the precautions for consumption of vegetables and fruits e.g., salad, celery, berries etc...?

There is no evidence or documented cases of covid-19 transmission through food.

Washing produce under running water removes about 90 percent of any contamination.

Just receive noticed that one of my co-workers test positive for COVID 19. How does quarantine work for us at our home?

If you have been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for covid here are some quidelines to assist with your self quarantine process. The CDChas published guidelines

-Do not leave house unless absolutely necessary.

-Separate yourself from people who share your home -

-Wash your hands often

-Disinfect surfaces

- Monitor symptoms

Those coming from California, how are they to quarantine? Do they quarantine somewhere specific, or can they stay with family?

If you are coming from any area where coronavirus is endemic, the CDC self quarantine guidelines remain the same.

Self quarantine rules:

-Do not leave house unless absolutely necessary.

-Separate yourself from people who share your home -

-Wash your hands often

-Disinfect surfaces

- Monitor symptoms

Are beauty shops, hair and nail business still open? I see no rules for their closures.

With the new order to stay home only healthcare operations, critical infrastructure and some retail stores are considered essential businesses that should remain open.

What should you do if you owe child support in the state of Texas but the business that you work for is not open do to COVID-19?

This pandemic is affecting the economic security of most citizens. Some people are either not working or loosing their jobs and concerned about accumulating expenses including jail time for non payment of child support.

While you may not have the ability to pay 100% of your obligation because your income has decreased, an effort to pay something during these times will likely not go unnoticed. Attempt to make a a good faith effort to pay child support

And consider that there are increased expenses associated with taking care of kids this time.

With 90-degree weather ahead of us this week and the recent rains, mosquitoes are inevitable. Can Covid-19 be passed by mosquitoes?

No! It remains to be seen if co-infection with West Nile is possible. Covid-19 is spread by mainly from person to person by close contact or respiratory droplets. It may also be spread from contact with contaminated surfaces.

Why can’t the Astrodome be used to quarantine first responders?

First responders are going to be exposed to Patients with Covid. Exposure does not equate to active infection. The answer is minimizing risk by:

(A) making sure first-responders are properly equipped with personal protected equipment, or PPE.

(B) The public can play a role to keep first responders safe by informing emergency response operators if someone in the home is experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as coughing or fever.

Will all gyms, including private gyms, close due to COVID-19?

Recommendations set by the White House have prompted many businesses in Houston to close in the interest of public health, including gyms.

I am 70 years old and in good health. I have a dentist visit next week, is it safe to go?

The American Dental Association has recommended that dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures in response to the spread of the Covid-19.

When the drive-thru virus stations are up and running what are the requirements to be tested? It seems there should be requirements...?

At the drive-thru virus stations, people will initially be screened and tested based on World Health Organization recommendations and Houston Health Department recommendations.

I have had contact with someone who has been working with someone now diagnosed with corona. What do I need to do?

If you develop symptoms consistent with Covid-19, self-isolate.

Where do those without insurance and/or no primary care doctor go to get information and potentially testing for Covid-19?

There is a free drive-through coronavirus testing site in North Houston. It is located at the United Memorial Medical Center. (510 West Tidwell, Houston, Texas 77076)

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