This document provides an overview, symptoms, and guidelines for self-isolation and testing related to COVID-19. It outlines the goals and sections of the health module, including defining COVID-19, describing common symptoms, explaining when to seek medical care, risk factors, the infectious period, available treatments, and testing options. It provides guidance on what constitutes a positive exposure, self-quarantine procedures, steps to take if sick, and criteria for returning to work depending on testing results and symptom resolution.

1. HMS COVID-19
Health and
Safety Module
#1
Overview, Symptoms, Self-
Isolation, Testing

2. Module Outline
I. Overview of COVID-19
II. Positive Exposure and Self Quarantine
III. When to Stay Home and Criteria for Return to Work
IV. Testing Options

3. Goals for Module #1
● Understand and be able to identify the symptoms of COVID-
19
● Understand the definition of positive exposure and self-
isolation recommendations
● Understand when to stay home & criteria for return to work
● Understanding testing options (COVID-19 Nasal Swab vs.
Antibody Testing)

4. I. Overview of COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause
mild upper respiratory tract illnesses.
But in January 2020, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified as the cause of an
outbreak of viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The disease, later named coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19), subsequently spread globally. ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for
‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.
It is likely COVID-19 started in an animal reservoir and then spread to people, however,
this is still unknown.
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/covid-19

5. What are the symptoms?
Individuals with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms that can range from mild
to severe and may include the following:
● Fever or chills
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
● New loss of taste or smell
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#Basics

6. When to seek medical attention
● Trouble breathing
● Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
● New confusion
● Inability to wake or stay awake
● Bluish lips or face
*Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: notify the operator
that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

7. Who is at risk?
Anyone and everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like
heart disease, lung disease or diabetes are higher risk for developing
complications related to COVID-19.

8. Infectious & Incubation period
● COVID-19 is spread from person to person.
● You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs,
sneezes, or talks.
● You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it,
and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
● The incubation period is defined as the time between exposure to the virus (becoming
infected) and symptom onset.
● Ranges anywhere from 2-14 days with the average 5-6 days.
● During this period, also known as the “presymptomatic” period, some infected persons
can be contagious. Therefore, transmission from a pre-symptomatic case can occur
before symptom onset.

9. Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19.
People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve
symptoms, including:
● Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen to help with
fever control
● Increased fluid intake ie. water, gatorade
● Rest
Continue to monitor your symptoms closely and call your healthcare provider
if they worsen.

10. II. Positive Exposure and Self Quarantine
What is a positive exposure?
● A positive exposure is defined as being within 6 feet of an individual for
greater than 5 minutes who is a confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-
19.
What do you do?
● Self-quarantine: Stay home and limit interactions with others. Self-monitor.
Check for fever or respiratory symptoms.
For how long?
● Until 14 days after exposure

11. III. What to Do if You Are Sick

12. Steps to help prevent the Spread of COVID-19
● Stay Home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness
and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave
your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public
areas.
● Self-Care: Stay Hydrated & Rest
● Stay in Touch with your Doctor: Call before seeking
medical care
● Avoid Public Transportation (Bus, Train, Ride Sharing,
Taxis) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-
sick.html

13. Prevent the Spread Cont.
● Wear a Mask or face covering over your nose and mouth
if you must be around other people or animals, including
pets (even at home).
● Cover your coughs and sneezes
● Wash your hands often: with soap and water for at least
20 seconds or if not available use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
● Avoid Sharing Personal Household Items
● Clean all “high touch” surfaces everyday
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

14. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
2019-
ncov/downloads/10Things.pdf

15. Knowledge Check
True or False:
Most People with COVID-19 have severe illness and require
hospitalization

16. Answer
False!
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at
home without medical care. For medical emergencies call 911
and notify the dispatch personnel you have or may have COVID-
19

17. Knowledge Check
Proper Hand Washing includes washing hand with soap and
water for at least:
a. 15 seconds
b. 30 seconds
c. 20 seconds
d. None of the above

18. Answer
Proper Hand Washing includes washing hand with soap and
water for at least:
a. 15 seconds
b. 30 seconds
c. 20 seconds
d. None of the above
Tip: Sing “Happy Birthday” Twice

19. Knowledge Check
True or False:
Self-quarantine separates people with symptoms of COVID-19,
with or without a positive test.

20. Answer
False!
Self-quarantine: Separates people who were exposed but do not have
symptoms to see if they become symptomatic. A person can be contagious
before symptoms begin, so this is critical to prevent the spread
Self-isolation: Separates people with symptoms of COVID-19, with or without
a positive test. Stay home and away from others who share your residence to
prevent the spread of the virus.
https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/coronavirus_exposure_action_chart.html

21. When can employees return to work?
http://biblus.accasoftware.com/en/resuming-work-after-the-lockdown-workplace-safety-guidelines/

22. You think or know you had COVID-19 & had Symptoms
You can be with others after
● 3 days with no fever and
● Respiratory symptoms have improved (e.g. cough, shortness
of breath) and
● 10 days since symptoms first appeared
If you will be tested again, you can be around others when you have no fever,
respiratory symptoms have improved, and you receive two negative test results in
a row, at least 24 hours apart.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-
isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprevent-
getting-sick%2Fwhen-its-safe.html

23. You tested positive for COVID-19 but had No Symptoms
If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others
after:
● 10 days have passed since test
If you will be tested again, you can be around others after you receive two negative
test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-
isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprevent-
getting-sick%2Fwhen-its-safe.html

24. You have been around someone who tested positive for
COVID-19
● Anyone who has close contact with someone with COVID-19
should stay home for 14 days after exposure
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-
isolation.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprevent-
getting-sick%2Fwhen-its-safe.html

25. Knowledge Check
You tested positive for COVID-19 and 11 days have passed since the onset of
your symptoms. You are starting to feel better but you woke up with a fever of
100.7 Degrees F. Can you return to work tomorrow if you wake up with no
fever?
a. Yes, you can return to work
b. No, you cannot return yet
c. Yes, you can return with written permission from your doctor

26. Answer
Can you return to work tomorrow if you wake up with no fever?
a. Yes, you can return to work
b. No, you cannot return yet
c. Yes, you can return with written permission from your doctor
If you tested positive for COVID-19 and had symptoms you can return to work
when you have had:
● 3 days with no fever and
● Respiratory symptoms have improved (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) and
● 10 days since symptoms first appeared

27. IV. COVID-19 Testing Options
● Nasal Swab
○ This is a type of viral testing that tells you if you currently have
an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
● Antibody Testing
○ An antibody test is a blood test that might tell you if you had a
past infection. An antibody test might not show if you have a
current infection because it can take 1–3 weeks after infection
for your body to make antibodies
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

28. Where can I get tested?
● First Contact your Primary Care Provider (Physician or
Nurse Practitioner) to see if they are offering and
recommend testing
● If you do not have a PCP and reside in the Greater
Philadelphia Area go to the following website to see if
testing is available in your area:
○ https://www.phila.gov/covid-testing-sites/#/

29. Questions or Comments? Please fill out the form below:
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