While there have been no positive cases of the new coronavirus in the state of New York, health officials in Westchester County said Tuesday that 26 people are being monitored for symptoms of what is now being called COVID-19.
County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, M.D, said during a news conference that the county has travelers who have returned from parts of the world where coronavirus cases have occurred.
Referring to the 26 people, she said they are not sick, “but we still have to monitor them.”
Amler said most of them are being quarantined voluntarily in their homes.
She said that quarantining is in effect when one may have been exposed to illness and needs to be monitored to see if symptoms develop. Isolation occurs when one is sick.
“It takes approximately 14 days to develop symptoms,” Amler said. “We are watching the people to see if they develop symptoms.”
The county health department is making sure the people in quarantine have food and medication or whatever they need to remain in quarantine, Amler said.
Health officials are able to video-conference with the people and are in constant communication with them.
Should they become ill or need to be taken somewhere, the county public safety and emergency service will oversee the process and make sure the right equipment is being used.
Fire and EMS agencies have all received the latest guidance from the state Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on response to potential coronavirus patients.
Amler said that the public can stay safe by doing what is advised to protect from getting the flu: Wash hands, stay away from sick people and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
She also said the U.S. government has told people not to go to China.
Getting a flu shot, Amler said, would also help possibly rule out influenza as a cause of illness.
County Executive George Latimer said the county is taking the situation seriously.
“This is the time for sober realities,” he said. “We are not going to turn this into a circus.”
The practical advice Amler gave is what should be followed, Latimer said.
“This is serious,” he said, “but has not reached a stage by which new speculation is warranted.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.