Coronavirus [COVID19] and Your Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
Throughout California, across the United States, and around the globe there is a deep sense of concern over the spread of the coronavirus. Media outlets offering advice on how to prevent the virus, but for those who do contract it, short and long-term disability insurance can offer some peace of mind. Read on to learn more about coronavirus and disability law from the experienced disability lawyers at DarrasLaw.
What is Coronavirus
The Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, was first reported from Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. Currently, there are over 3,000 deaths from the virus and more than 90,000 people infected. The vast majority of these cases are in mainland China, however there are infections on every continent except Antarctica. In Europe, Italy seems to be the epicenter and, in the US, the state of Washington has seen the number of cases spike.
Coronavirus Symptoms and Signs
There is a range of ways the virus manifests in infected people from mild to severe illness and, in some unfortunate cases, death. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure and often this is associated with fever, cough and shortness of breath. Similar to flu like symptoms which is another concern when trying to determine if you have it early.
How the Covid-19 Virus Spreads
The coronavirus causes respiratory illness and spreads from person to person usually through droplets through coughing or sneezing while in close proximity. Most folks need to be within 6 feet of an infected person to contract the virus. It may also be possible to get the virus by touching a surface or object that the virus is on and then touching one’s face, nose, mouth or eyes.
Coronavirus Precautions
There are some basic steps to help reduce the risk of contracting this, or any other viral respiratory illness:
- Wash your hands…PROPERLY! Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If these are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Stay home when/if you are sick.
- Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue and throw that tissue directly in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
People most at risk are the elderly. Of the people who have passed, none of the deaths are of children under 10 years of age, 1% is of people under 50 and with every subsequent decade there is an increase. Those 70 and above are at particular risk.
Short and Long-Term Disability
You may have short or long-term disability insurance either through your employer or through private purchase. If you have coverage, your disability policy may allow you to make claims on missing disability periods of work due to COVID-19. You should immediately review your short and long-term policy to see if you are eligible and if you aren’t sure, you can reach out to the disability police experts at DarrasLaw. At Darras Law they can do a disability policy analysis to determine how and what your insurance currently covers.
If you’d like to schedule time to talk to a short or long-term disability insurance attorney, contact our offices immediately. You don’t have to go through the disability claim process alone. To schedule a completely free disability policy analysis and free claim consultation with one of Darras Law’s nationally renowned disability insurance attorneys, call us at (800) 898-7299 or contact us online.
DarrasLaw
3257 East Guasti Road – Suite 300
Ontario, California 91761
(800) 898-7299