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Uncategorized > February 13, 2020 – Coronavirus Updates

February 13, 2020 – Coronavirus Updates

Published on: February 13, 2020

The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment continues to monitor the Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China and the reported cases in the United States. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a 15th case in the U.S., a recent evacuee from Wuhan who was quarantined at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. The U.S. evacuated roughly 800 Americans from Wuhan, more than 600 of which remain under quarantine at military facilities across the nation.

The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment is increasing efforts to get flu prevention strategies out to the public.  Over 8,000 people in this country die each year from influenza.  Many of the symptoms of Influenza and Coronavirus are similar and some of the precautions are the same.  Basic precautions include:

  • Frequent hand-washing, for 20 seconds with soap.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Cough hygiene – into a tissue when possible (throw it away immediately) or into your arm if necessary.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with those who are ill.
  • Stay home yourself from work or school when ill.

We also still have flu vaccine available as well.  Appointments with Public Health Nurse Deirdre Arvidson are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. To schedule an appointment, call 508-375-6617. 

Stop the Spread of Virus_SpanishEach community in Barnstable County has an emergency response plan for public health emergencies should we need them.  They were activated during the H1N1 Flu event of 2010 and are located at your local board of health office. 

The new Department of Public health website provides relevant up-to-date information on the state of the Novel Coronavirus for all residents.  Please visit mass.gov/2019coronavirus.  

Additional details and guidance regarding the Novel Coronavirus are also available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Visit CDC: 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Updates from Shoreland Travax, : For more than 30 years, Shoreland Travax (www.travax.com) has been the premiere clinical decision support tool for travel medicine practitioners in all practice settings—private clinics, pharmacies, public and student health, and corporate and government use.  See the Shoreland Travax February 11, 2020 Report HERE.Â