There have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Florida, but state and local leaders say they’re closely monitoring the situation.
“There are 15 individuals who have tested to date who are negative, and there are currently four individuals who are under investigation,” said Dr. Scott A. Rivkees, Florida Surgeon General in an announcement Friday.
Infectious disease specialists in Palm Beach County have said it’s important to stay updated on the latest information about the coronavirus, but does not believe there is a reason to panic at this point.
Reports of community spread of #COVID19 in California, Oregon & Washington raise concern about the immediate threat for COVID-19 for certain communities in the US. However, most people in the U.S. have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus. https://t.co/gYHI0wblwj
— CDC (@CDCgov) February 29, 2020
“Most people will get through this. The thing to hold onto is 80 percent of people who get infected with the coronavirus will just experience a mild disease a cold and it will come and go and it’s just the vulnerable percentage we have to be concerned about,” said Dr. David Dodson, an infectious disease specialist in Palm Beach County for nearly 35 years.
PBSO is closely working with @PBCFR and the @HealthyFLPBC to monitor the current outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 worldwide. We are working with the #CDC and we are actively working to ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is provided. https://t.co/DXMEoSNLkQ
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) February 28, 2020
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office posted a tweet on Friday stating the agency “is closely working with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and the Palm Beach County Health Department to monitor the current outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 worldwide. We are working with the CDC and we are actively working to ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is provided”.
Doctors are reminding the community the importance of practicing good hygiene with regular, thorough handwashing to protect yourself from spreading germs.
“In the SARS outbreak, washing your hands was shown to decrease viral transmission by 30 to 50 percent,” said Dodson.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
