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California Health & Wellness is no longer a Medi-Cal plan starting January 1, 2024. Regardless of the county you live in, your Medi-Cal service and benefits will not be impacted by the health plan changes since you will be assigned to a new health plan. The county you live in determines your new health plan. Learn more
California Health & Wellness is no longer a Medi-Cal plan starting January 1, 2024. Regardless of the county you live in, your Medi-Cal service and benefits will not be impacted by the health plan changes since you will be assigned to a new health plan. The county you live in determines your new health plan. Learn more

Coronavirus: What to Know & Updates on What's Covered and More

Date: 03/12/20

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new and quickly spreading illness. Many details about this disease are still unknown. Treatment options, how the virus works, total impact, and many other factors are still being studied.

What is the coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a disease that mainly affects how you breathe. It is caused by a new virus called a coronavirus, which has become a public health emergency. The number of cases keep growing across the nation and around the world.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of coronavirus include mild to severe breathing problems like coughing and shortness of breath. Fever is also a symptom. The virus may be spread even before a person begins to show symptoms.

What else causes the same type of symptoms?

Influenza (the flu), is another illness that affects how you breathe. It is caused by flu viruses (Type A and Type B). The flu is also highly active in the United States at this time. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine.

I may have symptoms, what do I do?

If you have been exposed or begin showing symptoms of coronavirus or the flu, contact your health care provider or health department at once.

Protect yourself and those you live around

We all have a role to play to protect our neighborhoods and families from the spread of coronavirus. Follow these tips to help prevent infection:

  • Wash your hands completely and often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing rub (must contain at least 60 percent alcohol).
  • Cough or sneeze into the crease of your elbow.
  • Promptly throw away tissues in a trash can after use.
  • Fully clean public surfaces.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid shaking hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Get a flu vaccine.

For more information, including cautions for travel, please visit cdc.gov.