Coronavirus Update

In recent weeks, we have heard a great deal about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its spread in China and to other countries, including the United States. I have attended several meetings with senior health officials from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Departments of State and Health & Human Services, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Health. I want to provide an update based on the latest information from these expert sources.

The American public remains at low-risk of infection. Of 459 possible cases, only 15 have been confirmed in our country and in only 6 U.S. states. Worldwide, confirmed cases have occurred in 58 countries but the vast majority of cases are in China, specifically in the Wuhan province. Although the fatality rate at the epicenter of the outbreak in China is 2.7%, it is considerably lower worldwide and in developed countries like the United States. The vast majority of people who have had the coronavirus are now recovering as they would from any other illness.

Common hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, covering your mouth when sneezing, and avoiding contact with sick people are effective ways to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Symptoms of the virus resemble the flu and include, coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. If you have recently travelled to China and are exhibiting these symptoms, you should self-isolate in your home and seek medical care. Before visiting a doctor's office, you should let them know that you recently travelled to China. If you exhibit these symptoms, however, you are far more likely to have the flu than to have coronavirus.

The U.S. government has been working closely with Chinese health officials to contain coronavirus and has restricted entry by foreign nationals who have recently visited China. Several pharmaceutical companies indicate they are close to finalizing a vaccine as well. Moreover, the CDC announced Thursday that previous trouble with testing has been resolved.

CDC is ensuring our healthcare system is preparing with adequate resources to respond to any escalation in the virus' spread, and Governor Wolf recently activated the Pennsylvania Department of Health's enhanced response coordination to monitor Pennsylvanians who recently visited China and to educate businesses and schools.

U.S. officials advise against travelling to China while the spread is ongoing. Coronavirus poses a low risk to you and your community and traditional hygiene practices can ensure the virus remains contained. I will continue to provide updates on developments as they occur.