(Atlantic) The global coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving and expanding, according to the Center for Disease Control. Cases of COVID-19 are showing up without a known source of exposure. While most COVID-19 cases are associated with travel to or from China, the person-to-person spread is now in other places, like Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Linda Edelman Cass County Public Health Nurse says there are no cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, and there is no person-to-person spread in the United States. Edelman says for the general public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low; however, the potential threat for the public is high.
Edelman says what’s most important right now is what the public does to prevent the spread of this virus or any virus for that matter.
In addition to that, Edelman asks residents to prepare for the Coronavirus the same way they prepare for severe weather or any other events that could disrupt their routine.
Edelman says the best prevention is to cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm or elbow, clean your hands frequently with soap and water, and contain germs by staying home when you’re ill.
Edelman adds, the Iowa Department of Public Health and Local Health Departments will be providing more information and engaging with these partners over the coming days and weeks.
The United States has implemented an aggressive containment strategy requiring detecting, tracking, and isolating all cases.
Cass County Public Health is implementing strategies to deal with an outbreak should it occur locally.
