Gov. Wolf Confirms 2 Presumptive Cases Of Coronavirus In Delaware, Wayne Counties

On March 6, Gov. Tom Wolf confirmed the first two presumptive positive cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania in Delaware and Wayne counties and reminded residents that the Commonwealth is prepared to respond to community spread of this virus.
Gov. Wolf also signed an emergency disaster declaration to provide increased support to state agencies involved in the response to the coronavirus.  Read more here.

“We anticipated this very scenario and have been preparing for Pennsylvanians to become impacted by this virus,” Gov. Wolf said. “This is not the first rapidly-spreading virus we have faced in our commonwealth and it will not be the last. We are prepared to mitigate the spread of this virus.”

The one individual is an adult from Wayne County and is currently in their home in isolation. The individual recently traveled to a country where COVID-19 is present.

The other individual is from an adult from Delaware County and is currently in their home in isolation. The individual recently traveled to an area of the United States where COVID-19 is present.

To date, there are nearly 100,000 cases worldwide, including more than 3,300 deaths. There are 233 cases and 12 deaths to date in the United States. The CDC expects cases to continue to be confirmed in the upcoming days and weeks but wants everyone to take action to help prevent the spread of the virus. 

CDC also said due to the rapidly changing nature of the spread of COVID-19 around the world, it is important for families to be prepared.

“Further spread of this virus throughout the nation will likely occur,” Dr. Levine said. “We encourage people to prepare for potential life disruptions. The same family emergency plans and kits that we use to prepare for flu or norovirus, and even snowstorms and floods, are important now. Pennsylvanians should continue to help stop the spread of viruses by washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces and staying home if you are sick.”

“The confirmation of a case of coronavirus is not a surprise to us, and we’ve been working with the Department of Health since January to ensure that we’d be ready,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Earlier this week, we partially activated the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center here at PEMA in order to support their planning efforts.”

Individuals who intend on traveling outside of the United States are urged to check the CDC’s and the federal Department of State’s travel guidance. Currently there are outbreaks of COVID-19 occurring within numerous countries across the world. The number of countries seeing new cases has increased significantly over the last week.

“As this situation evolves, we will continually update Pennsylvanians through our website, health.pa.gov, our Facebook page and our Twitter account,” Dr. Levine said. “It’s important to remember that the most accurate and timely information regarding this outbreak is available through the Department of Health.”

Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Individuals most at risk for severe symptoms include elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Anyone who does not feel well should: 

-- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

-- Cover any coughs or sneezes with their elbow, not their hands.

-- Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.

-- Contain- if someone is sick, they should stay home until they are feeling better.

For more information, visit the Department of Health’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage, Follow them on Twitter, or Like them on Facebook.

NewsClips:

AP-Marc Levy: Pennsylvania Now Has 2 Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus

Micek: Pennsylvania Has 2 Presumed Cases of Coronavirus
Ford Turner: First 2 Coronavirus Cases In PA, Wolf Issues Disaster Declaration
Wolf Declares Disaster Over Coronavirus, Presumed Case In Delaware County
Gov. Wolf Signs Disaster Declaration To Aid Response To Coronavirus
PA Coronavirus Cases Quarantined At Home, State Sees No Need For Guards
Health Secretary: Don’t Fear The Bill For Coronavirus Testing
Jan Murphy: People With Coronavirus Symptoms Told To Stay Home, But That Means Financial Jeopardy For Many

Central Bucks School District Closes 5 Schools Due To Reported Coronavirus Exposure

2 Steel Valley School Employees In Allegheny County Told To Self-Insolate After Traveling

Related Article:
Gov. Wolf Signs Coronavirus Disaster Declaration To Support State Response
[Posted: March 6, 2020]