Ingeniux COVID-19 Response Site

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold but have also caused more serious illnesses like SARS. A new coronavirus is responsible for COVID-19 and was not identified in humans before December 2019. 

In COVID-19, 'CO' stands for 'corona,' 'VI' for 'virus,' and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. Some people compare COVID-19 to a very bad flu. Here is how the CDC compares COVID-19 symptoms to flu symptoms. 

COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby, can be inhaled into the lungs, or can land on frequently touched surfaces and transmitted to the mouth or nose via hand. To protect yourself wear a mask (especially in enclosed or crowded spaces), maintain social distancing, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

It is important that all Ingeniux employees do what they can to reduce their chance of exposure to COVID-19 to protect themselves and those around them. The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to get the vaccine, which is now widely available and extremely safe. We highly recommend that all Ingeniux employees get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are able. 

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine visit the CDC website.

Follow these simple, everyday steps to reduce your chance of exposure and protect others:

1. Stay home if you are sick or have a family member who is symptomatic. Staying home when sick will greatly benefit your coworkers, your communities, and the general public.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Wear a face mask or covering when in enclosed or crowded spaces. 
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (then throw it into the trash) or with the crook of your elbow. Do not use your bare hands to cover a cough or a sneeze.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
7. Take care of your overall health. Stay up on vaccinations, including the influenza (flu) vaccine. A healthy diet and exercise help your body stay resilient.
8. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. For information about handwashing, visit the CDC’s Handwashing website.
9. If soap and water are not readily available, use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
10. If you are travelling, check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations by country. Avoid travel to areas greatly affected by COVID-19. Check yourself for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before starting travel.

If you have questions about COVID-19, the Washington State Department of Health has established a call center for the public. To reach them, call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

There are a number of national and international organizations with detailed information on COVID-19:

• World Health Organization - WHO
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
• National Institutes of Health - NIH
• Occupational Safety and Health Administraion - OSHA
• US Food and Drug Administration - FDA

While these are great resources, we recommend that you also check with your state and local governments as they may have more up-to-date information on how the current outbreak is affecting your area.