COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus) Resources
The 2019 novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is a virus strain that was newly identified at the end of 2019. An outbreak was caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. The outbreak is spreading across the country, including Kansas.
This is an ongoing investigation and information is changing rapidly. And the Coronavirus emergency is a reminder of the essential role Community Health Centers perform in ensuring the health and strength of our communities.
Community Care offers this page as a resource to guide health care providers to accurate sources of information at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others.

What are the symptoms?
People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 have reported symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and fever that may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
In severe cases, infection can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. From what we know so far, illness seems to be more severe in older individuals and in people with other health conditions, although younger people are being affected as well.
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and have had contact or believe you have had contact with someone who has a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
Who is at risk for COVID-19?
As the risk to the general public has increased, stay-at-home orders and the practice of social distancing are proving effective. To minimize the risk of spread, health officials are working with healthcare providers to promptly identify and evaluate any suspected cases. Travelers to and from certain areas of the world may be at increased risk. The same holds true for those visiting Kansas counties with community spread.
The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about 6 feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.
How can I avoid getting COVID-19?
Steps you can take to prevent the spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent COVID-19:
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

How is COVID-19 treated?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild COVID-19 illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.
Updated: April 13, 2020
Quick Links
(both this list and items on it are updated frequently)


Healthcare Facilities/Public Health Workers
- PPE Procurement Form (4-3-20)
- Telehealth Reimbursement Coverage Guide, (4-3-20)
- Teledentistry Patient Assessment Guidance (NEW, 4-9-20)
- Emergency Temporary Licensure from KSBHA (4-6-20)
- COVID-19 Testing Approval Form (NEW, 4-9-20)
- Public Health Management of Exposed Persons, by Risk Level (4-6-20)
- Billing Guidance for Testing, Monitoring & Diagnosed Conditions
- Preparing Clinic for COVID-19, (4-2-20)
- Drive-through/drive-up Clinic Guidance (NEW, 4-8-20)
- Symptom Comparisons (3-19-20)
- Daily Medical Monitoring Log (3-26-20)
- Healthcare Facilities: Preparing for Community Transmission of COVID-19 in Kansas (3-4-20)
- Outpatient Healthcare Clinic, Alternative Guidance (3-11-20)
- Interim Guidance for Dental Practitioners (3-27-20)
- Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators (3-2-20)
- Temporary Guidance for Fit-Testing N95 Respirators (3-14-20)
- N95 Extended Use, Best Practices (3-30-20)
- N95 Limited Reuse, Best Practices (3-30-20)
- Medical Waste Memo (1-31-20)
- COVID 2019 Flowchart for Healthcare Facilities (3-19-20)
- PUI Definition (4-8-20)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Purchasing Guidance (3-27-20)
- PPE Burn Rate Calculator (from CDC, 3-27-20)
- Optimizing Eye Protection Supplies (3-23-20)
- Optimizing Isolation Gown Supplies (3-23-20)
- Optimizing Facemask Supplies (3-23-30)
- Specimen Packaging and Shipping Instructions (3-19-20)
- Homemade/Cloth Mask Guidance (NEW, 4-8-20)
Cleaning
- Cleaning Recommendations for Facilities Housing Persons Under Quarantine (3-2-20)
- EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Novel Coronavirus (3-13-20)
Businesses and Employers




Business Continuity
The following are tools and resources to assist in business continuity planning related to COVID-19 and similarly impactful disease outbreaks.
- Lessons Learned: Common Challenges For The Supply Chain, by the Health Industry Distributors Association
- Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Fact Sheet: Protecting Workers During a Pandemic
- CDC and NIOSH – Extended Use and Limited Reuse of N95 Respirators
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020