**** CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE via Hartford Healthcare, 24/7 talk to a doctor if you have concerns, questions. Doctors are answering your calls: 860 972 8100
Governor Lamont announced Saturday that the state will be launching an infoline for the public's questions on the coronavirus. The State of Connecticut is partnering with United Way of Connecticut to launch the infoline.
Those who have questions can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211.
Officials are urging those who have questions to first review thestate's coronavirus information website before calling the hotline.
“We understand people have specific questions but we want to stress that this call center is only intended for general information. Anyone looking for specific medical advice regarding symptoms they may be experiencing is strongly urged to seek medical treatment,” Lamont said.
The hotline is available 24 hours a day and multilingual assistance along with TDD/TTY access for those with hearing impairment is available.
Second CT hospital employee tests positive for coronavirusCLICK HERE for updates
RELATED: Officials say 200 in CT self quarantined amid coronavirus concerns
Hartford Healthcare has also instituted its own policies since the coronavirus outbreak. All work travel either out of the country or within the U.S. has been suspended. Personal travel is subject to review.
Folks can call the command center at 860-972-8100, orclick herefor more information.
Earlier this week, Lamont joined the U.S. surgeon general to tour the state’s lab in Rocky Hill, which was cleared to test for the virus.
RELATED: State lab approved to test for coronavirus
While the coronavirus has created fear, Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome Adams emphasized on the fact that folks should not panic, but take precautions.
"Caution is appropriate. Preparedness is appropriate. Panic is not,” Adams said.Health Organization busts coronavirus myths
When it comes to the coronavirus, it’s important to get the facts, not the myths.
Lamont has also urged all Connecticut residents who have recently traveled outside of the country, or are planning to do so, to follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
RELATED: Gov. advises travelers to follow CDC guidance surrounding coronavirus outbreak
The CDC is recommending travelers avoid all nonessential travel to countries that are at risk at this point.
Local schools, colleges and universities have also taken precautions by canceling trips abroad, bringing students back to the U.S. who have traveled abroad, and even quarantined those students.
RELATED: UConn students returning from Italy, South Korea will be quarantined
Doctors are advising anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to contact their medical provider immediately.
The symptoms the flu and coronavirus share are fever, cough, and muscle aches.
Doctors weigh in on what to do if you think you have coronavirus
For a coronavirus test to be done, a patient must exhibit flu like symptoms, have come in close contact with a coronavirus patient, or have a travel history to China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea.
While flu testing results are usually available in a hospital or clinic and can take less than hour or two, results for the coronavirus take a little longer, as they are sent to the lab.
Agency lists cleaning products that combat coronavirus
Health organizations are helping folks fight back against the spread of covid-19.
Doctors also say if someone is sick, stay 6 feet away from them.
Cough into a tissue and throw it in the trash right away.
Also, make sure to always wash your hands.
RELATED: Stores selling out of hand sanitizer, soap, face masks
Symptoms of coronavirus can include:
- Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
People who have recently traveled to an impacted location and is feeling sick should:
- Call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or emergency room
- Tell the doctor about recent travel and the symptoms being experienced
- Avoid contact with others, and so not travel while sick
Everyone – regardless of whether they have recently traveled – should continue following some basic steps to protect themselves from coronavirus:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based sanitizer
- Avoid shaking hands as a greeting
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
For more information on the CDC's latest guidelines,click here
Connecticut, Coronavirus & The Flu: What you need to know and how to reduce your risk.
CLICK here for preparedness for pandemics, not only the Coronavirus, but the Flu.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Person-to-person spread of the virus is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Much is still unknown about how the virus spreads. Take these everyday preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Photo: Getty