Coronavirus Update Scheduled For Board Of Supervisors Meeting

FAIRFAX, VA — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will receive a briefing on March 10 on preparations related to the new coronavirus. There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Fairfax County or Virginia as of March 6.

In Montgomery County, Maryland, three people tested positive for the new coronavirus after a trip overseas. The Fairfax County Health Department's website states "it is likely more cases will be identified in our region in the coming days."

The Virginia Department of Health's coronavirus website identifies pending test results and people being monitored. Test results are pending for 10 possible cases, including four in central Virginia, three in northern Virginia, two in northwest Virginia and one in eastern Virginia. A total of 21 tests came back negative: nine in the central region, six in the northern region, four in the eastern region and two in the southwest region. A total of 120 people are under public health monitoring statewide.

Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County's health director, is scheduled to brief the Board of Supervisors 10 a.m. in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center. Residents can watch the presentation in person, on Fairfax County Government Channel 16 or through an online live stream.

The Fairfax County Health Department is working with the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for preparations should the new coronavirus, COVID-19, affect the county. The health department is also coordinating with county and community partners to adapt its pandemic response plans to the new coronavirus.

In a March 2 video update, Addo-Ayensu said, "If a person does become sick with a novel coronavirus in our county, the health department will ensure the patient is isolated and away from others, identify anyone who may be at risk from being in close contact with a patient, and then monitor those close contacts for symptoms of the disease.

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The new coronavirus, COVID-19, is a respiratory illness first identified in an outbreak in the city of Wuhan in China's Hubei province in December 2019. The respiratory illness is caused by a novel coronavirus and can be spread from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is thought to be spread between people in close contact with another through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Cases have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.

Addo-Ayensu asks residents to follow several measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with 60 percent to 95 percent alcohol
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
• Pay attention to the CDC travel advisories and suspend non-essential travel to destinations where the risk of transmission is high
• Make a plan with your loved ones on how you would care for each other if you would get sick
• Make sure you have proper supplies at home, such as thermometers, cold medicine, pain relievers, soap, alcohol-based sanitizers, water and fluids with electrolytes
• Have a plan for childcare
• Ask your employer about sick leave and telecommuting policies
• Sign up for Fairfax Alerts for emergency warnings and information

Addo-Ayensu cautions residents to avoid spreading misinformation about the new coronavirus. Residents can find information and updates from official sources: the Fairfax County Health Department, Virginia Department of Health and CDC.

SEE ALSO: An Outbreak Of Coronavirus Misinformation: AP Fact Check