Montgomery Outlines Coronavirus Preparedness Efforts, Tips

BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County is stepping up its preparedness and response efforts amid growing coronavirus concerns.

The virus — now dubbed "COVID-19" — emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has since infected nearly 90,000 people and killed more than 3,000 around the world. In the United States, authorities have reported a total of 88 cases and two fatalities. The two older adults who died had underlying health problems, according to The New York Times.

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland. But Montgomery County health officials say they are keeping tabs on the outbreak. On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council will get an update from health officials about the coronavirus.

"While the risk to the general public still remains low in the United States, we are working closely with County agencies, schools and health-care providers to ensure that we are ready to respond to this evolving situation," said county health officer Dr. Travis Gayles.

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County officials said they have taken steps the following steps to combat the coronavirus:

• Launched an internal emergency management group for coordination, enhanced monitoring and planning with partners and other local agencies
• Developed an action plan for incident management and surveillance for individuals at risk of infection
• Communicated with hospitals and health-care providers to provide the latest information and guidance from the CDC
• Communicated and coordinated with MCPS to provide guidance to parents, teachers and staff
• Launched a COVID-19 website to update Montgomery County residents on the current situation

"We want to make sure that residents have access to information, and I encourage everyone to visit our website, which has a great deal of information about the virus and precautionary measures that people can take," County Executive Marc Elrich said. "Our primary focus is to ensure that people are educated and informed as this situation unfolds."

While county officials said the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low, they are urging residents to take the following cautionary steps:

• Stay informed by using trusted sources for up-to-date information. The County's website includes information on prevention techniques as well as links to the CDC and other resources.
• Wash hands frequently throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Keep surfaces (especially bathroom surfaces and children's toys) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick.