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Uncategorized > February 11, 2020 Updates to Coronavirus Information

February 11, 2020 Updates to Coronavirus Information

Published on: February 11, 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.  A case of the new coronavirus has been diagnosed in San Diego County, California, bringing the total number of cases in the U.S. to 13. Massachusetts is still at 1.  The patient is not hospitalized but has been isolated at their home. 

In the meantime, we will be increasing our 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_Spanish Each 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.

View this NBC news report (February 10, 2020) regarding the number of cases of 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. 

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