Coronavirus Update From Howard County Officials

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Officials on Wednesday spoke during a news conference about the novel coronavirus and reminded Howard County residents how to best protect themselves. Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Department's health officer, encouraged people to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

"Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cover or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. Don't use your hands," said Rossman.

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Howard County Executive Calvin Ball emphasized that people who are sick need to stay home. He also urged employers to have policies in place that establish a remote workplace should such a situation arise.

"Be considerate of others, especially those in our community who are more susceptible to the virus," Ball said during a news conference.

A hotline also has been set up at 410-313-6284 to respond to questions. Residents who believe they need to be tested for coronavirus were urged to call that number.

"Dr. Rossman and the Howard County Health Department has been actively engaged in reviewing existing plans if a local plan is needed, participating in regular briefings with the CDC and state, and communicating with Howard County clinicians to ensure that they are all equipped to respond," said Ball.

Furthermore, Howard County General Hospital officials confirmed that they are ready and prepared to deal with patients who test positive for the virus.

"We have infectious disease specialists and intensive care specialists for cases that exceed the capability of people being able to stay at home and being able to isolate themselves," said Dr. Shafeeq Ahmed, chief medical officer of Howard County General Hospital, during the news conference. “Howard County General Hospital has been preparing for the possibility of caring for patients with this virus. We have a team of infectious disease and intensive care physicians and nursing staff who are constantly reviewing and practicing processes and protocols. We are also able to coordinate and plan with Johns Hopkins Medicine, so our community should take great comfort that their local hospital is fully prepared to handle all kinds of illnesses.”

Howard County Interim Fire Chief William Anuszewski added that 911 dispatchers, the police department, firefighters and paramedics are drawing safety precautions from the initial 911 phone call to shape patient treatment, care and transport.

“Our leadership team has been actively reviewing our department’s pandemic response plan, which includes issues of continuity of operations, workforce sustainment and operational considerations such as staffing models," Anuszewski said.

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