The Delaware General Health Districtand the Ohio Department of Health(ODH) continue to closely monitor the Novel Coronavirus COVID-2019(formerly 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCOV) which was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 15 cases of novel coronavirus within the United States, there are no confirmed cases in Ohio and our state remains at very low risk.
WE ARE PREPARED
On Feb. 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the current coronavirus outbreak. It is currently referred to as coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.
The Health District is closely watching any emerging situations by performing daily monitoring of reportable diseases. As with any reportable disease, the Health District will contact you if you have a travel history to China orexposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19.
It is important to note that there are 7 different types of coronavirus. The new COVID-19 virus should not be confused with the other human coronaviruses that people around the world commonly get infected with, including 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1.
ACTION PLAN
To slow the spread of novel coronavirus into the United States, CDC and ODH are working with local public health departments to implement travel procedures announced in a Presidential Proclamation on Novel Coronavirusexternal. In summary:
1. Foreign nationals who have visited China in the past 14 days may not enter the United States.
2. American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their families who have been in China in the past 14 days will be allowed to enter the United States, but will be redirected to one of 11 airports to undergo health screening. Depending on their health and travel history, they will have some level of restrictions on their movements for 14 days from the time they left China.
RISKS AND SYMPTOMS
Click on images below to download advisory infographics
Being symptomatic alone is not cause for panic. Neither is having traveled to Wuhan or being around someone who recently returned from China. Please show care and compassion to all neighbors whether they be sick or not, recent travelers or not. This is not a time to isolate or discriminate against others in response to the novel coronavirus. People feeling at risk can sometimes react out of fear in a way that unfairly singles out others. Let’s fight this new public health concern with compassion and science, and with the understanding that you cannot tell if someone has a risk for spreading novel coronavirus by the way they look.
PROTECT YOURSELF!
While the novel coronavirus is a global concern, the Health District encourages residents to be attentive to protecting themselves against Influenza. Continue to protect yourself and others by following these tips:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Don't go to work or school when you feel ill. Stay at home and rest.
Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Click on images below to download prevention flyers for office use
Delaware General Health District
Preventative Health Division
Disease Control and Response Team
740-203-2040
