MD Coronavirus: Health Officials Offer Tips For Staying Safe

MARYLAND — The Maryland Department of Health has released tips to help residents avoid spreading the new coronavirus, and reminded the public that most people recover from the disease. Updated numbers show six Marylanders have been tested for the COVID-19 virus; five of them have tested negative and one person is still awaiting results from the Centers for Disease Control. There have been no cases of the new coronavirus in Maryland, and the current focus is on preparedness.

“We want all Marylanders to know that we’re closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and are working with our federal, state and local partners to help keep you safe and healthy,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert R. Neall in a news release. “But everyone can play a role in preparedness — stay informed and use every day healthy habits to limit your exposure to illness.”

For now residents should wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizers; cover their mouth and nose when they cough; stay home if you feel sick; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Also, think about what supplies you need to stay home, much as you would during a severe storm.

State health officials are in close contact with medical facilities, state Department of Education and the state's colleges and universities, authorities said.

"Though the public health threat, both here in Maryland and across the United States, remains low at this time, we're continuing to prepare for all possible scenarios," said Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips.

"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 90,000 people have been infected and over 3,200 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Monday. Of that total, about 80,000 cases are in China, while the entire United States has 86 confirmed cases to date.

COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from the COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness, the health department said.

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.

Gov. Larry Hogan 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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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.

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.