CDC warns Americans about coronavirus

CBS News - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said it is not a question of if but when the coronavirus outbreak spreads in the United States. CDC officials urged Americans to “prepare in the expectation that this could be bad.” For example, he recommends people gather supplies that would allow them to live indoors for several days if necessary — such as non-perishable food, extra water, a two-week supply of all medications, and activities to keep children occupied.

When cases of the coronavirus illness, now known as COVID-19, started proliferating in central China in early January, the government issued mandatory quarantines in major cities in an effort to contain it. Such widespread quarantines would be extremely difficult to implement in the United States.

There are currently only a handful of cases in the U.S., and those patients are being treated in medical isolation. But according to Agus, if more cases erupt, communities could be given little warning before a quarantine is enforced, so staying informed about conditions in your city is important.

“When the quarantine happens, the quarantine happens,” he said.

The CDC has urged people to make plans ahead of time for child care and ways to work from home, just in case schools and businesses need to close. Health officials recommend people take basic hygienic measures to protect themselves against infection — avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing your hands throughly and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

The CDC also recommends covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are frequently touched. The CDC does not recommend people wear face masks if they aren’t sick. Face masks are only recommended for health workers, people showing symptoms of infection, and those who are taking care of a sick person in close settings.

The spread of this coronavirus has coincided with the typical flu season in the United States. The CDC recommends that people get a flu shot and take flu antiviral medication if prescribed, though neither will prevent or fight the coronavirus.