People with the below medical conditions are at an increased risk for severe illness at any age:
- Cancer;
- Chronic kidney disease;
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
- Down Syndrome;
- Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies;
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant;
- Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²)
- Pregnancy;
- Sickle cell disease;
- Smoking;
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Based on the information available at this time, people with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:
- Asthma (moderate to severe);
- Cerebrovascular disease;
- Cystic fibrosis;
- Hypertension or high blood pressure;
- Liver disease;
- Neurologic conditions, such as dementia;
- Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m², but < 30 kg/m²);
- Pulmonary fibrosis (damaged/scarred lung tissues);
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder);
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines.
Per the CDC, certain disability groups might be at an increased risk of becoming infected.
- People who have limited mobility or cannot avoid close contact with others who may be infected;
- People who have trouble understanding information or practicing measures like hand washing & social distancing;
- People who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness.
How to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19
It is especially important for people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who live with them, to protect themselves from getting the virus. The best way for someone to protect himself or herself and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to: wear a mask; stay six feet away from others; avoid crowds; avoid poorly ventilated spaces; wash your hands often; cover coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect; and monitor your health daily.
Face coverings are a critical preventive measure and should be worn in public settings and when around people who don't live in the same household. Information on types of masks and guidance on how to best wear these masks are available from the CDC. They are most essential when social distancing is difficult. If an individual does not tolerate a face covering or it is not medically advisable to wear one, measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread must occur, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces?.
Your provider can relay what precautions they are taking to lower the risk of transmission. Division policies related to COVID-19 can be found on the DHS COVID-19 Information webpage. If a self-directed model is being used, families are encouraged to consider risks and talk with their staff about screening and prevention strategies that may be used.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities | Receipt of COVID-19 Information Form | March 2021 | Page 3 of 4