How New York prepares for the 'inevitable' coronavirus epidemic

Over the past few weeks, the deadly coronavirus has spread rapidly worldwide from Wuhan (China), where it is believed to have originated. New York is now preparing for a potential outbreak of the virus. This publication writes City & State New York.

The situation in New York and the world

“It is inevitable that we will have someone who is confirmed to have the coronavirus,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot told The New York Times.

While five cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the United States, no cases have been reported in New York. According to a press release issued by the government of Andrew Cuomo on Monday, January 27, 10 people were tested for the virus in New York, and so far the seven test results have been negative. Those who are still waiting for the test results will be isolated.

“We urge all New Yorkers to take normal precautions against illness, such as washing their hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick people,” New York State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Howard Zucker, said in a press release. “We will continue to work with our partners at CDC and across the state as we provide any help needed to keep all New Yorkers healthy.”

According to health officials, if the virus test is positive, depending on the severity of the symptoms, the person will either be quarantined in one of the Bellevue hospital bio-containers, or they will be asked to stay at home.

The State Department of Health is preparing to conduct webinars for health professionals to inform them about the virus, the Times reports. Government health officials also turn to university health centers, where foreign students are more likely to seek medical help.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of coronavirus are similar to those associated with the flu: a sore throat, runny nose, headaches, cough, and fever. The virus can also lead to pneumonia or bronchitis. It seems that it is transmitted from person to person, but little is known about how it spreads.

How many people have already become infected and have died

As of Tuesday, January 28, 4500 virus infections were reported in Asia. It was reported that 106 people died from the virus in China. Cases have been confirmed in 13 other countries (including the United States), and all have been found in people who have recently traveled to China.

In an effort to contain the virus, China closed the Wuhan area by canceling flights, trains, buses and ferries. Transit is also limited throughout the province of Hubei, where the city of Wuhan is located.

On January 17, the CDC announced that it would begin testing people for the virus at several US airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport. According to the Times, several passengers aboard their last direct flight from Wuhan to Kennedy were quarantined in their homes in an attempt to prevent any potential spread of the virus.

On the subject: Where can I get the flu shot in New York

Recall that the city faced a similar health crisis in 2014 during the global outbreak of Ebola, when Craig Spencer contracted the disease during a trip to Guinea with a group of Doctors Without Borders. Following the onset of symptoms, he was quarantined at Bellevue Hospital. Those in contact with Spencer were asked to isolate themselves for 21 days. A few weeks later he was discharged from the hospital.

As now, travelers arriving through Kennedy during an Ebola outbreak were screened for the disease, admitted to hospitals to treat the disease, and health workers were trained to detect and treat it. And just like a month ago, the city’s state hospitals then conducted exercises to combat the outbreak of Ebola.

How to protect yourself: CDC recommendations

For all: the flu and respiratory season is in full swing. To stop the spread of germs, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking daily preventative measures and, if necessary, taking antiviral drugs for the flu.

For medical professionals:

Be mindful of people with a history of traveling to Wuhan, China, with fever and respiratory symptoms.