Coronavirus Test For 3rd Person In MD Ordered: Health Official

MARYLAND — A third person in Maryland is being for the new coronavirus, according to state health officials.

Two people have already tested negative for the new coronavirus in Maryland.

Two others who traveled to China recently were being tested Thursday, the governor said.

"There is a third person that has met the criteria for testing," Charlie Gischlar, deputy director of communications for the Maryland Department of Health, told Patch Friday. "Two of the three traveled internationally."

That means the latest person to be tested had not traveled internationally.

So far, no cases have been confirmed in the state, and the current focus is on preparedness.

"There is no immediate public health emergency here in Maryland," Gov. Larry Hogan said at a news conference Thursday about the new coronavirus.

Globally, more than 82,000 people have been infected and over 3,200 people have died from the new coronavirus, the World Health Organization reported Thursday.

The new coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China. Symptoms are fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia, resulting in anything from mild respiratory issues to death.

Those who are at risk have recently traveled to China; have close, personal contact with recent travelers to China; have close, personal contact with one who has been diagnosed with the new coronavirus; or care for those who have the new coronavirus, according to the Maryland Department of Health, which created a "frequently asked questions" guide about coronavirus.

The governor encouraged people to visit health.maryland.com/coronavirus or call 211 to connect with a helpline representative immediately to get additional information and resources.

People can also text "MdReady" to 898211 to get alerts, tips, and resources related to the new coronavirus, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

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The state and all levels of government are taking steps to respond to potential scenarios that could compromise public health, according to the governor. Hogan said state health officials were engaged in daily briefings with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and have been in contact with local health departments and hospitals, all of which are developing plans.

"The situation in Maryland right now as well as across the country is one that remains at low-level risk," Fran Phillips, Maryland's deputy secretary for public health services, said. "But we are aware and on the lookout if that should change."

Those being tested for the new coronavirus are quarantined at home, Phillips said. The tests are sent to the CDC in Atlanta.

The new coronavirus is spread the same way as flu, according to Phillips, who offered guidance on how to stay safe from both.

"Don't stop washing your hands," Phillips said. "Wash your hands frequently. Cover your coughs. If you are sick, please don't come to work. Do not send your children to school. Avoid touching your face, touching your eyes — these are ways that viruses that may be on surfaces can be transmitted to us."

There are two differences between flu and the new coronavirus, Phillips said: "We know that there's not a vaccine available, and we know that there's not a medication available." She added that every day, more information was becoming available about the new coronavirus.

Flu remains "very active" and is still showing up in urgent care centers, Phillips said at the news conference Thursday with the governor, urging people to take precautions and get their flu shot if needed.

Tips To Keep Coronavirus From Spreading:

• Stay home except to get medical care if you are sick. 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. Use a separate bathroom, if available. Avoid contact with your pet. Wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor. This way the health care provider's office can 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 health care 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, wash them 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.