COVID-19 is a virus that causes breathing problems in people. It was first found in Wuhan, China. The virus passes from one sick person to others through close contact and droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing (like the common cold or flu). Health experts are carefully watching this situation.

Most people who get COVID-19 feel like they have the flu. At this point, it looks like not many children are getting the virus. Older people, especially those who are already sick or have another disease like diabetes, or breathing problems are in danger of getting the most severe forms of this virus.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They include fever, cough and breathing problems.

• Stay home if you are feeling sick until you feel better or are cleared by a doctor. Most people who get COVID-19 get better with good self-care and rest.
• Keep at least six feet away from others whenever possible.
• Wear a face covering when around people outside of your household. For more information on face coverings, please click here.
• Use over-the-counter cold and flu medicines to control fever and ease your symptoms.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve and not into your hands.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of the virus. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the next best choice.
• Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes as much as you can.
• Get a flu shot! It’s not too late. The flu shot does not directly protect you from COVID-19, but it will help ease the impact of the flu.
• Follow guidance from public health officials. Visit the Alameda County Department of Public Health and the California Department of Public Health for daily updates.

If you think you might have COVID-19, call your doctor’s office. Tell them your symptoms and if you have traveled to China, South Korea, Italy, or Iran, or if you were around people who recently came back from those countries. Your doctor will tell you what to do next so you can get the care you need and not risk passing the virus to your friends and family.

If you are an Alliance member, and you can’t reach your doctor or if it’s after-hours, please call:

Alliance 24-Hour Advice Nurse Line
Medi-Cal Toll-Free: 1.888.433.1876
     Group Care Toll-Free: 1.855.383.7873
     People with hearing and speaking impairments 711/1.800.735.2929

Our Advice Nurse Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our trained nurses offer medical advice and, if needed, will connect you with a doctor via phone or video chat.

The term “shelter in place” means to stay in your home and not leave unless necessary for one of the designated exceptions listed in the Order (see below). Some reasons you would leave your home are to get food, to get a prescription, to see a doctor, to go to work if your work is essential as defined in this Order, to take your child(ren) to and from childcare that is authorized under this Order, and to help people you care for get the things they need to live and be healthy and safe.

To learn more and read the Order, please click here.

Social distancing is a practice recommended by public health officials to stop or slow down the spread of contagious diseases. It requires the creation of physical space between individuals who may spread certain infectious diseases. The key is to minimize the number of gatherings as much as possible and to achieve space between individuals when events or activities cannot be modified, postponed, or canceled. Achieving space between individuals of approximately six feet is advisable.

For additional information and COVID-19 updates from trusted sources, please visit:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• California Department of Public Health
• Alameda County Public Health Department

If you have any questions that are not addressed by the public health websites, please email nCoV@acgov.org or call 1.510.268.2101.

Advice Nurse Line

If you can’t reach your doctor, the nurse line is ready to give you advice, any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please call:

Medi-Cal Toll-Free: 1.888.433.1876
Group Care Toll-Free: 1.855.383.7873

.

• Mail Order Delivery Services
  To help you stay home and avoid public places, we encourage you to use our mail order delivery service for both new and refill prescriptions. By using this service, you can get medicines mailed to your home at no cost by using standard shipping. It’s easy to get started. If you are an Alliance Member, please call:
  
  • Alliance Member Services Department
  • Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
  • Phone Number: 1.510.747.4567
  • Toll-Free: 1.877.932.2738
  • People with hearing and speaking impairments (CRS/TTY): 711/1.800.735.2929

• Ask for a 90 day supply
• Call your doctor for a refill (versus going to the doctor’s office)
• Arrange for someone to pick up your prescription for you

Everyone is being affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If you need help with food, or other services, please see our local community partner resources below.

Food Programs:

• Free Grab and Go Breakfast and Lunch at Select Alameda County School Sites
• Alameda County Community Food Bank 
• Meals on Wheels of Alameda County

General Resources:

• For other service resources, please call of visit 211

The Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) has issued new guidance to help protect the general public from the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Alameda Alliance for Health (Alliance) is taking proactive steps to protect the health of our community, members and employees by following these recommendations. Effective, Monday, March 16, 2020, the Alliance will assist members by telephone only. The Alliance is temporarily suspending all walk-in services for members at our office location, and postponing all in-person Member Orientation classes until future notice. You may call the Alliance or our Nurse Advice line for assistance when needed.

If you have any questions, please call:

Alliance Member Services Department
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Phone Number: 1.510.747.4567
Toll-Free: 1.877.932.2738
People with hearing and speaking impairments (CRS/TTY): 711/1.800.735.2929

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the Alliance will cover telephonic appointments for all eligible Alliance members. To learn more, please click here.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly, we want to reassure you that the safety of our members, providers, staff and community remains our highest priority. As part of this response, if you have an appointment that can be postponed, you may receive a phone call from your doctor’s office to reschedule your appointment and discuss your options. If you are an Alliance member and have questions or need help reaching your doctor’s office, please call:

• Alliance Member Services Department
• Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
• Phone Number: 1.510.747.4567
• Toll-Free: 1.877.932.2738
• People with hearing and speaking impairments (CRS/TTY): 711/1.800.735.2929