AMHERST HEALTH DEPARTMENT TRACKING CORONA VIRUS RISK

Americans should prepare for the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) according to an announcement issued on Wednesday by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  While cases in the US have been limited (60 recorded in the US as of Wednesday, 82,000 world wide), the virus is spreading domestically and could be disruptive to everyday life.

Nancy Messonnier of the CDC said that an outbreak in the US is increasingly likely.  “We are asking the American public to prepare for the expectation that this might be bad,” Messonnier told reporters, adding it is no longer “a matter of if, but when” the virus spreads, and how many people in the country end up contracting a severe case of the virus.

Messionier encouraged Americans to undertake the same preparations as they might for a disruptive weather event, such as making  sure homes are well stocked with food and necessary medications. She asked local officials to anticipate quarantine events that might require the closing of schools, workplaces, and the cancellation of public events.

The Amherst Health Department (AHD) reports that the current risk for Coivd-19 in Massachusetts is low with only one reported case, but over 600 people under 14 day quarantine. AHD is monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the CDC, local institutions of higher education, and the Amherst public schools .  Amherst healthcare providers, local hospitals, and emergency medical systems are in communication with MDPH regarding the virus and potential cases. 

The Amherst Health Department is maintaining a COVID-19 page on its web site and will continue to update the page as new information becomes available. 

AHD offers the following precautionary advice.

• It is the flu season! It is not too late to get a flu shot 
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces to stop the spread of germs.
• Take flu antivirals if prescribed.

Resources

What Is The Corona Virus?

Where Is The Corona Virus?

What Is The CDC Saying?

Will There Soon Be A Vaccine And Should I Worry?