SAPHA’s Statement on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Dear Colleagues,

The world is responding to an outbreak of the novel Coronavirus and the disease it causes named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19). Towards the end of January 2020, the US Health and Human Services Secretary declared this outbreak a public health emergency in the US. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

In this statement, SAPHA is providing various sources to stay up-to-date on this rapidly evolving disease. For the latest information on COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Additional resources: 

• CDC- How COVID-19 spreads 
• CDC- How to protect yourself 
• CDC- Novel Coronavirus travel health information 
• CDC- How to get your home ready 
• WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters 
• WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak 
• American Public Health Association (APHA) resource on COVID-19

Steps to curb the spread of this virus:  

• Practice social distancing — if you have to go out, avoid close contact with people 
• Clean your hands often—wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• If you are sick, track your symptoms, seek medical care early and stay at home 
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow 
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces 

We urge folks to denounce misinformation and decry misconceptions based on racial prejudice, particularly, faced by Asian American communities. In this time of uncertainty, we stand in solidarity with Asian American communities to condemn any bigoted attacks.

To tackle this crisis, SAPHA supports the passing of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Bill in Congress. We support funding to address COVID-19 and urge the government to respond in a timely manner.

As we monitor this evolving global pandemic, please continue to interact with us through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or send us an email at saphaboard@gmail.com.

In good health,
Yousra Yusuf, MPH
President
South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA)