Due to the heightened concern regarding 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Delaware County has implemented a plan to prevent and prepare for Coronavirus.
County officials, including County Council, the Department of Intercommunity Health and Emergency Services began meeting with stakeholders in the community in January to discuss the outbreak of the virus, preventative measures and best practices to prepare for a local outbreak.
The County has created a section on its website with information on the Coronavirus, including preventative tips, resources and updates from the state and Centers for Disease Control (CDC.) County Council, Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services and Dr. George Avetian, Delaware County’s Senior Medical Advisor have shared this information on their social media pages as well. The website can be found here: www.delcopa.gov/ich/resources/coronavirus.html
The County’s Department of Intercommunity Health has been in daily contact with the CDC and the State Health Department.
“In the absence of a County Health Department, our Department of Intercommunity Health has been working to communicate with the State Health Department and CDC to be proactive,” said Council Vice Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, who serves as Council’s liaison to the Department of Intercommunity Health. “The health and safety of our residents is Council’s top priority and we are doing everything we can to prevent and prepare for an outbreak in our area.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is investigating and monitoring potential cases. To date, no one in Pennsylvania has tested positive for Coronavirus. The department, through its team of epidemiologists and its emergency response section, are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and county and municipal health departments to monitor the coronavirus outbreak.
As of Feb. 25, 2020, there are more than 80,000 cases worldwide, including more than 2,700 death. 57 cases have been reported in the United States, and thankfully no deaths have been reported in the United States. The CDC expects cases to continue to be confirmed in the upcoming days and weeks. They advise people to take action to help prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC also said that due to the rapidly changing nature of the spread of Coronavirus around the world, it is important for families to be prepared.
How to protect yourself:
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against human Coronavirus infection. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the following: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
How to protect others:
If you have cold-like symptoms, you can help protect others by doing the following: stay home while you are sick, avoid close contact with others, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands, clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
Treatment:
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human Coronavirus. However, you can relieve symptoms by: taking over the counter pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children) using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough, drinking plenty of liquids and resting.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.
More information on Coronavirus can be found here:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html