Since first reported in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019, the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus now known as COVID-19 has ignited global public health concerns.  The Cadence Group is committed to supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) rapid response by Acquiring, Organizing and Disseminating CDC approved messages, guidelines and tools. Tina Teree Baker, President and CEO of the Cadence Group supports and acknowledges CDC’s crucial public health response. “Cadence Group has assisted CDC’s web development and information dissemination needs for the past 25 years and we are honored to be able to support CDC’s coronavirus (COVID-19) efforts in the fight to prevent and control the threat to domestic and world health.  We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to do all we can to support our federal and local public health agencies with their information collection, organization, analysis and communication needs during this crisis.”

Acquire Information

As new cases of COVID-19 arise daily in the United States, people and businesses can rely upon the CDC’s coronavirus website for up-to-date information and guidance. COVID-19, which is a serious public health threat across the U.S. and the world, seems to occur mainly by respiratory transmission. Check for the latest information about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 which include: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, but Healthcare Professionals (HCP) are encouraged to visit coronavirus information for HCP. Employers should refer to the CDC’s interim guidance for business and employers to plan and respond to COVID-19. For additional fast and easy access to the latest CDC approved COVID-19 information CG recommends following CDC’s social media accounts on Twitter @CDCgov and for travel information @CDCtravel.

Organize Resources

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, CG staff have been supporting the response both directly and indirectly. The CG web team at CDC is currently assisting with the emergency response for the COVID-19 outbreak. Support includes web development; compilation/monitoring/analysis of web stats, SEO, and social media; and ongoing edits to web pages, documents, and images. Other CG staff members not directly supporting the Joint Information Center (JIC) are picking up responsibilities of those CDC employees who are deployed to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Disseminate a Rapid Response

Lori Durand leads Cadence Group’s web and health communications team at CDC. She explains technical assistance being provided for CDC “I work with a team of employees and contractors, together providing a strong force in posting time-sensitive critical messages to meet the increasing need for both U.S. and worldwide public health professionals and facilities, as well as for the general public.”

Everyday Preventive Actions

Cadence Group encourages everyone to adhere to the CDC’s everyday actions, which can help to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For more information, check out Cadence Group’s Health IT Practice Page.

Follow us on Twitter @CadenceGroup for updates and other Cadence Group news.