Coronavirus Precautions Offered By Anne Arundel County Officials

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Officials want Anne Arundel County residents to "remain vigilant" in their health hygiene practices in the hopes of warding off the spread of the new coronavirus. As of Feb. 28, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Maryland, but three people are being tested for the disease. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and county health officer Nilesh Kalyanaraman, M.D., said the risk of contracting the respiratory illness COVID-19 in the county is low; however, new cases are regularly being reported in other states.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the new coronavirus, so good health and hygiene habits are critical in preventing the spread of the disease.

“I encourage everyone to stay informed with accurate information from official sources,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman in a news release. “Awareness will help our community be prepared and respond calmly and effectively if COVID-19 comes to our area.”

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Kalyanaraman confirmed that "the bigger threat to us is influenza.” The seasonal flu currently is widespread across Maryland and there's still time to get the vaccine.

The CDC has recommended the following actions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus:

• Stay home except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. Avoid contact with your pet. Wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor. This will help the healthcare provider's office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
• Wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider's office.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95 percent alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95 percent alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with others in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean all "high-touch" surfaces every day, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe.