The following information is to help healthcare professionals across the sector to identify signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. This is particularly important at screening sites, i.e. airports, for those who have traveled to affected areas.

While there is no specific treatment for the infection, immediate supportive care and medical treatment is imperative to persons under investigation.

Healthcare professionals must obtain a detailed travel history for all patients presenting with symptoms of fever, coughing, and/or shortness of breath. The clinical presentation of COVID-19 can range from non-specific signs and symptoms of acute respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms to serve as a guideline for evaluation. Patients should be evaluated based on clinical presentation, as well as travel history. It is believed that symptoms of COVID-19 may occur as quickly as 2 days up to 14 days after exposure.

It is important for healthcare professionals to immediately implement infection prevention and control measures if a patient is suspected of having COVID-19.

For more information visit CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a healthcare professionals preparedness checklist: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/hcp-personnel-checklist.html