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NYC EMERGENCY
For Immediate Release
De Blasio Administration Outlines Preparedness for Novel Coronavirus
January 24, 2020 — The City today laid out its preparedness plans for the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. The virus, initially identified in China, has now spread to 16 countries, with 25 deaths, all in China. There are now two confirmed cases in the United States.
All City Hospitals and health providers are now trained to identify symptoms and evaluate patients who may present symptoms for 2019-nCoV, which include cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Additionally, the City has established transport protocols for individuals who may present symptoms of 2019-nCoV and in need of a medical evaluation; infection prevention and control measures at all New York City hospitals; instructions on specimen collection and other preparations.
While there are zero diagnoses in New York City at this time, coronavirus has been detected in hundreds of people worldwide. While initially thought to only spread through prolonged exposure, more recent epidemiology indicates that person-to-person transmission is possible. While some infections have resulted in severe illness and even death, others have presented mild, flu-like symptoms and been discharged from care.
Authorities have instituted travel restrictions in at least 12 cities in China (including Wuhan), affecting tens of millions of people. The CDC remains poised to screen passengers based on need. To date, no passengers arriving from Wuhan or connecting flights at JFK have needed medical evaluation. However, New York City is fully prepared to transport individuals showing symptoms or who recieive positive diagnoses as needed.
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHM) has conducted outreach and are providing guidance to local community-based organizations and health care providers serving our communities to inform them of the necessary precautions they need to take if someone with symptoms of coronavirus visits them.
Additionally, NYC Health+ Hospitals is working closely with the Health Department, and the public health system is well prepared in the event that a patient with nCoV-like symptoms presents at or is transported to one of its emergency departments. Frontline staff have up-to-date public health clinical information on the 2019-nCoV virus, including infection prevention and control, personal protective equipment usage and practices, instructions on specimen collection, and its service trainings on 'donning and doffing' personal protective gear. NYC Health Hospitals has also embedded travel screening into the electronic health record system to ensure that any patient walking into one of its facility is promptly identified and isolated.
The CDC recommends people avoid non-essential travel to Wuhan. For travel deemed essential, the Health Department has shared the following CDC recommendations with healthcare providers regarding travelers to Wuhan:
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their healthcare provider.
For those who recently traveled to Wuhan and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, CDC recommends:
- Seek medical care right way. Before going to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about recent travel and symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or our sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Click here to read the full press release from the De Blasio Administration.
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