The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring two people with potential symptoms of the new coronavirus, including one person in Northern Virginia.
The new potential cases, reported Wednesday, are the latest tied to the region as the global health crisis continues to unfold. Virginia has reported eight potential cases since the COVID-19 outbreak occurred; six of those cases have been found to be negative.
Health officials this week began warning the public about the possibility of a major outbreak in the United States.
“It’s not a question of if but rather a question of when and how many people in this country will have severe illness,” said Nancy Messonnier, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, President Trump said Wednesday evening that risk to the U.S. was “very low.”
The coronavirus has been reported in more than 40 countries around the globe, but has not yet been declared a pandemic by the CDC.
Dr. Leana Wen, a visiting professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health, says health agencies in the region should start thinking about how they’ll inform the public should there be a wider outbreak.
“The key is for local health officials to continue to be transparent,” Wen says. “To communicate what it is that they are deciding, and why they are making these decisions, and if there is a change, to explain exactly why.”
According to the CDC’s website, it is believed more cases will be identified in the coming days, including those in the U.S. Hospitals could also start experiencing higher rates of hospitalizations.
Here’s what you need to know about the disease in the Washington region:
Where Are The Reported Cases Right Now?
Coronavirus has spread throughout China and to more than 40 other countries around the globe, including the United States, according to the most recent report from the CDC. There were 76,936 reported cases of the virus in mainland China as of Sunday and 1,875 cases outside its mainland.
Are There Any Cases Of Coronavirus In The Local Area?
There have been five tested cases of coronavirus in D.C. and all have come back negative. Virginia is monitoring two potential cases of the coronavirus, according to the state’s health department; officials there have investigated eight potential cases of the virus so far. Tests for two reported cases in Maryland have also come back negative.
Are Schools Being Impacted?
The CDC warned Tuesday that coronavirus cases could impact attendance at schools, offices, and any other places where large groups gather. In Virginia, the Fairfax County Public Schools system has canceled field trips and visits to China and South Korea until June.
At the university level, American University is working to bring students who are currently spending the semester in South Korea and China back to the United States, according to a university spokesperson.
How Is The Virus Spread?
The CDC believes that the virus is spread primarily from person-to-person via respiratory droplets that are produced when a carrier of the virus coughs or sneezes. It can also spread when a person touches a surface that has the virus and then their mouth, nose, or eyes.
Do Face Masks Help? Where Can I Buy Some?
Individuals who have a confirmed or suspected case of the coronavirus should wear a face mask when they go to the hospital or a clinic, according to the CDC. That’s because the masks do help contain viruses if you are already sick.
However, the CDC does not recommend the use of the masks or respirators like the N-95 for most people, as most respiratory viruses are spread via close contact person-to-person with someone who is already carrying the virus.
If you want to buy a face mask, you’re probably going to have a hard time. Many stores in the area are sold out of masks, including independent pharmacies.
The spot where face masks normally sit at the Van Ness CVS is empty. Several chain and independent pharmacies in the area have sold out and aren’t sure when they’ll be getting more.
Aman Goodarzi, who runs Rockville Pharmacy & Medical Supplies with his father, says he usually sells 15 to 30 masks a year. Following a shipment of masks four weeks ago, his store sold 500 in less than 24 hours.
“Clients were literally grabbing them like they were hotcakes,” Goodarzi says. “They were grabbing a fistful of them, handfuls of them.”
What Should I Do If I Think I’m Infected With The Virus That Causes COVID-19?
If you’re sick with COVID-19, or think you may be, the CDC suggests that you separate yourself from other people and animals in your home immediately and stay put except to get medical care.
The CDC also suggests wearing a face mask around other people if you are sick, along with washing your hands and cleaning surfaces like counters and doorknobs everyday.
Is There A Vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine available. During a Tuesday press conference, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that human trials for a potential vaccine are scheduled to begin in six weeks.
This story originally appeared on WAMU.
