COVID-19 Prevention & Self-Care 

Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Vaccination is the best way to prevent COVID-19 infection and prevent another wave of the pandemic.  It is also important to know the symptoms of COVID-19, what to do if you become sick and other precautions we all need to take, particularly for those unable to get vaccinated.

Symptoms

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.

  • Symptoms can include fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, trouble breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. 
  • According to the CDC, illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure.
  • Persons can be infected with COVID-19 and pose a risk to others without noticing any symptoms.
  • Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. Seek care early.

CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker 
COVIDWISE Exposure Notifications App

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What to Do if You are Sick

Unvaccinated residents are encouraged to follow these instructions to self-monitor illness and to inform close contacts when becoming ill.

  • If you develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your doctor or an urgent care center to discuss.
  • Stay home.  Avoid contact with others, do not share personal items, and use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible.
  • Monitor your health. Call 911 if you develop trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when around other people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces every day. 
  • Do not leave home until fever-free for 24 hours (without medication) AND at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
  • Inform close contacts. Talk to everyone who has been within 6 feet for more than a few minutes while you were sick, including the 48 hours BEFORE you developed symptoms. Encourage them to stay home for 14 days and provide them the above guidance for those who had close contact with someone who is sick.

  • Learn more from the Virginia Department of Health. 

COVID-19 Prevention 

Vaccination is the best way to prevent COVID-19.  Those unable to get vaccinated need to take COVID-19 precautions to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 including: 

  • Covering your mouth and nose with a face covering when in public if you aren't fully vaccinated
  • Washing hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. 
  • Staying at least 6 feet away from others
  • Staying home when sick
  • Avoiding crowds of people, parties at peoples’ homes and other gatherings
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
  • Avoid non-essential travel

Face Coverings

A mask can help prevent individuals who do not know they are carrying COVID-19 from transmitting the virus to others. The cloth is intended to catch droplets from your nose and mouth that may be projected when you talk, sneeze, cough and breathe. By limiting the potential of these droplets from landing on others and on surfaces, you can reduce the spread of the coronavirus and other germs even when you do not have symptoms .

Effective August 9, 2021, Loudoun County requires all visitors to county facilities —regardless of vaccination status—to wear face masks indoors in a renewed effort to reduce levels of community transmission of COVID-19.

In addition, face coverings will continue to be required, regardless of vaccination status in the following instances:

  • Public transit
  • Health care facilities, such as county health clinics and vaccination site
  • Detention facilities
  • Congregate care settings
  • Students, faculty, staff and visitors in indoor settings at public and private K-12 schools 

How to wear a face covering

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Follow these tips for wearing and caring for cloth face coverings:

  • Make sure there are no gaps around your nose and mouth.
  • Wash your hands before putting on a face covering.
  • Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your face covering.
  • Wash your hands immediately after removing the covering.
  • Routinely wash face coverings.

Loudoun encourages individuals to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). for wearing face coverings.

  1. Receive updates from Loudoun County

    Contact us with Questions

    • Email the Loudoun County Health Department 
    • Call the Health Department's COVID-19 information line:  703-737-8300
      • Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except County holidays)
    • Call the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) 
      • Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.