PITTSBURGH — With new cases of the coronavirus popping up in the United States, the Allegheny County Health Department and Pittsburgh-area hospitals are working to stay ahead of it.
While there are no cases locally right now, Allegheny County Health Department officials said Monday they expect there will be cases confirmed in Pennsylvania as coronavirus testing expands.
On Thursday, the Health Department said Pennsylvania continues to have no confirmed cases, and the “ACHD remains vigilant in investigating possible cases in our area and would alert the public immediately should any threat be detected.”
Coronavirus test kits have been limited, but that is changing, officials said Monday. Currently, testing in Pennsylvania is done only through the state’s department of health.
It’s estimated by the Allegheny County Health Department that it could be months before it receives testing kits. However, local hospitals are developing their own testing.
Dr. Lee Harrison, chair of the board of health, said the Health Department has been in regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition, the Health Department has been working with Pittsburgh International Airport and the Port Authority of Allegheny County on preparations, Dr. LuAnn Brink, ACHD chief epidemiologist, said.
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As for Allegheny County EMS, procedures have already been implemented to help identify 911 callers who could have the coronavirus, officials said.
Anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath, is asked by the Health Department to call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room to help prevent any sort of spread. They do not think Pittsburgh is a high-risk area, however.
“We have less international travel than places like New York or California. I won’t say it’s not possible and we do expect to see cases in the coming weeks for sure,” Dr. Kristen Mertz said.
UPMC hospital officials said Tuesday they have a plan in place to deal with the coronavirus at its hospitals.
“We still have not had any cases in need of COVID19 testing based on the collaborative expert decision making that we’ve already had in process for weeks,” Don Yealy, M.D. chair, of the Department of Emergency Medicine. UPMC and University of Pittsburgh said. “We are proactively trying to find cases. We’re not waiting for them to become one in front of us and become obvious.”
While no one at UPMC’s hospitals has been tested for the coronavirus, hospital officials are working to develop their own test to quickly identify potential cases. There isn’t a timetable when the test will be available.
Port Authority officials recommend hand washing. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs, particularly after using the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, when coughing or sneezing.
Health officials have known about the family of coronaviruses for some time now. COVID-19 is a new disease and what is known about how it spreads is based on similar coronaviruses, according to the CDC. It is similar to MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
If you notice someone who appears to be visibly sick sitting near you, move away from them if possible. Port Authority officials say if you can’t get out of the way of someone’s cough or sneeze, turn away so your face is no longer in their path.
Try to avoid holding onto poles and straps as germs can survive on those surfaces. If possible, riders should try to sit and keep their hands in their pockets to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. Trains and buses are often full during peak travel hours and that is just a best case scenario according to the agency.
If you are sick, stay home. If that’s simply not an option, do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Try to cough or sneeze into your shoulder, sleeve or elbow.
Also, it is still recommended that you get a flu shot.
The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has announced a number of changes in response to the global spread of coronavirus.
To go along with these preparations, Catholics can expect the following changes when they attend Sunday Mass.
- The distribution of the Precious Blood during communion is temporarily suspended
- Holy Water fonts will be cleaned and drained more often
- The exchange of handshakes and other physical contact during the Sign of Peace is temporarily suspended
- Those who feel ill are being advised to stay home from Mass until they are well
A Diocesan Bishop is responsible for promoting, regulating, and being vigilant over the liturgical life in his diocese. As such, I am instituting precautions that will serve as preventative steps to help our faith community, and the region as a whole, stay healthy. That is my primary focus,” Bishop Zubik said.
If there is an outbreak locally, school districts and the Health Department will determine whether schools should be closed.
In the Steel Valley School District, two employees who traveled to a foreign country have been told to stay away from school property as a precaution.
Robert Morris University canceled all study abroad trips for the remainder of the spring semester, including ones scheduled for May. The university said they are canceling the trips “given the rising number of nations that have experienced outbreaks and the speed with which governments are imposing travel restrictions.”
Slippery Rock University announced on Feb. 28 that all study abroad trips scheduled for spring break would be cancelled. Officials said those affected were notified about their options moving forward.
Meanwhile, 59 students from Duquesne University currently studying in Italy’s capital are returning home, days after saying that trip would not be cancelled. On March 3, The University of Pittsburgh announced they are cancelling all spring break study abroad and spring break study away programs that require air travel.
Pitt announced it is also requiring students who are studying abroad in France, Germany and Spain to return to the United States.
The coronavirus is spread through close contact. Doctors say people can get it from an infected person who coughs or sneezes on them.
According to the CDC, recommends taking the following preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.When it comes to masks, officials said there’s no reason for healthy people to wear them, and they ask that people not hoard them to avoid a shortage. Only people with respiratory issues need to wear masks, according to doctors.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
There is no vaccine for the coronavirus, but a clinical trial is taking place in Kansas.
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