Coronavirus: 2 New Presumptive Positive Cases In PG County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND — Two new presumptive positive cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Prince George's County, according to County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks. This brings the total number of positive cases reported in the county to three.

Alsobrooks conducted a press conference Tuesday, March 10, to address PG County's response to the coronavirus, which is also known as COVID-19, and to discuss Monday night's announcement of the first reported COVID-19 case in the county.

"We are still conducting a significant investigation to determine further exposure within the county," Alsobrooks said. "We were alerted probably 10 minutes ago there are two additional positive cases in Prince George's County."

PG County officials learned about the first positive coronavirus case on Monday around 6 p.m. The first patient to test positive is a woman in her 50s who contracted the virus during a Feb. 25-27, visit to Boston.

"What we know right now regarding the first individual is that she's at home," Alsobrooks said. "She is in good condition after receiving medical treatment. She was never in contact with any school children, does not have children in our school system. She likewise did not attend church here in Prince George's County, and her family members who live with her are also self-quarantined in the home and are in good condition."

The two new positive cases involve a couple who traveled internationally aboard a cruise ship. They are also self-quarantined in their home and in good condition.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and the Maryland Health Department confirmed at midday there were six positive cases of COVID-19 in the state.

Alsobrooks also addressed the confirmed positive case of COVID-19 involving a New Jersey man who attended the Conservative Political Action Conference that took place Feb. 27-March 1, at National Harbor. PG County health officials are maintaining contact with New Jersey health officials, who are monitoring the man's condition.

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Anyone who attended or worked CPAC may be at risk of exposure, according to the Maryland Department of Health. PG County health officials made a site visit Monday to share information and resources with National Harbor employees.

"What we want to do today is to assure Prince Georgians that we are monitoring the rapidly evolving situation surrounding COVID-19," Alsobrooks said. "We are going to continue to do so in a way that is open and transparent. We want to share and continue to share the latest updates with our community on what our county government is doing with our partners on the Council and other elected to prepare for this COVID-19 virus."

The PG County Health Department has been spearheading the county's COVID-19 response. On March 4, PG County activated both its Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information Center at an enhanced level.

"In response to the first positive case in Prince George's County, today I am raising the level of our Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information Center from enhanced to a partial activation," Alsobrooks said. "What this does is to release additional resources, brings to bear a number of additional county employees who will be working around the clock to further collaborate and ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent the spread of germs and this respiratory illnesses like COVID-19."

Alsobrooks announced the county will be taking the following additional steps:

• The PG County Office of Central Services (OCS) is working with Office of Emergency Management to quickly obtain essential items, such as sanitizing supplies and cleaners, as well as protective clothing and equipment.
• OCS will be using its 100,000 square foot warehouse to stock essential items and supplies for fast delivery.
• County custodial staff has been directed to use cleaners that use EPA-registered anti-microbial products for use against COVID-19 into the routine cleaning of all county government buildings.
• Hand sanitizing dispensers will be placed throughout the common areas of government buildings.
• The Department of Family Services is in contact with the county's senior centers to ensure that CDC protocols are being followed for flu and cold prevention.
• The Public Works and Transportation departments have not canceled or modified any transportation services at this time. Transportation services will continue as usual.
• Universal infection control is being used in the daily cleaning of the county's buses. All buses will be cleaned a minimum of twice daily.
• PG County employees will be able to telework where appropriate.
• Prince George's County Public School students won't need a note from a doctor if they miss more than three days due to sickness, according to updated guidance from PGCPS Chief Executive Officer Monica Goldson.

In addition, PG County is reviewing all of its upcoming events to determine if they need to be postponed. Alsobrooks announced that she was postponing two upcoming — Women's History Month Luncheon (March 26) and Census Block Party (March 28).

Public safety officials asked residents to only call 911 for emergency situations. Residents seeking information can call the county coronavirus hotline at 301-883-6627 or visit the county's website.

Health officials urge residents to take these steps to avoid the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

Related:

• MD Coronavirus: 6th Confirmed Case Reported In PG County
• Passengers On Cruise Ship Hit By Coronavirus Headed To Georgia
• 2 New Coronavirus Cases In Maryland: Governor Hogan
• Coronavirus Exposure Possible At National Harbor Conference
• 3 Have New Coronavirus; MD Governor Declares State Of Emergency
• MD Coronavirus Patients Were At 2 Public Events, Hogan Concerned
• Coronavirus Testing Costs Waived In Maryland
• Coronavirus Guidance Updated For PG County Schools

COVID-19 Fast Facts

• Coronavirus refers to a family of different viruses. For instance, the common cold is a coronavirus. So is SARS. COVID-19, however, is a new strain.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that they can spread between people and animals.
• Symptoms include a fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
• COVID-19 can spread between people who are about 6 feet apart from each other and through respiratory droplets (produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes), the CDC says.
• An infected person may not experience symptoms for up to 14 days.