Coronavirus and high-risk individuals

Certain people are at a higher risk of getting very sick from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), including older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised, including patients who are being treated for cancer
• People of any age with severe obesity (Body Mass Index of 40 or higher)
• People of any age with certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well-controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease
• People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, though to date, data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk

This is an evolving situation, and we encourage you to check back with the CDC regularly for updates.

If I am a high-risk individual, how should I protect myself?

In order to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19, we recommend taking the following precautions:

• Practice social distancing and remain in your home
• Consider working from home, if you are able
• Arrange to have your groceries delivered
• Stock up on necessities, including medicine
• Avoid crowds as much as you can
• Keep away from others who are sick
• Wash your hands frequently

READ MORE: Coronavirus: What you need to know