Emergency service officials are advising people not to go to the hospital or doctor’s office just because they might be coughing or sneezing.

As we all become accustomed to a new normal, it is important to learn and recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 that include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been observed as the incubation period of the virus.

The CDC also warns of more severe COVID-19 symptoms. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or bluish lips or face, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

To complicate matters, we also are in the midst of the flu and allergy season so people could exhibit symptoms from those conditions that mimic symptoms of COVID-19.

If you have those symptoms and believe you have been exposed, the CDC advises not to go to the hospital. Instead, call 911 or your healthcare provider, who will ask callers a series of questions. If the caller is suspected to have been exposed to COVID-19, arrangements will be made for the individual to visit the hospital or medical facility for testing and examination.

So far no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have come out of Warren County. We hope it stays that way but know the reality is it will affect our community at some point in the future. We urge residents to adhere to social distancing measures and be mindful of proper procedures should you suspect infection in an effort to keep our community safe and from overtaxing our healthcare providers.