Coronavirus: 2 More In Maryland Being Tested, Governor Says

REISTERSTOWN, MD — Two Marylanders who recently traveled to China have met the criteria for coronavirus testing, Gov. Larry Hogan said Thursday. The new coronavirus tests will be flown to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

Two people have already tested negative for the new coronavirus in Maryland. So far, no cases have been confirmed in the state.

"The state of Maryland has been taking this issue extremely seriously," Hogan said. "Our state is taking every precaution when it comes to the coronavirus because our highest priority is keeping our residents safe."

With no cases of the illness confirmed in Maryland, the current focus is on preparedness.

"There is no immediate public health emergency here in Maryland," Hogan said. He was a few minutes late for the 4 p.m. coronavirus news conference, he said, because he just got off the phone with Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the federal response to the coronavirus illness.

The state and all levels of government are taking steps to respond to potential scenarios that could compromise public health, Hogan said. The state was engaged in daily briefings with the CDC and has been in contact with local health departments and hospitals, all of which are developing plans.

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Globally, more than 82,000 people have been infected and over 2,800 people have died from the new coronavirus, the World Health Organization reported Thursday.

"The situation in Maryland right now as well as across the country is one that remains at low-level risk," Fran Phillips, Maryland's deputy secretary for public health services, said. "But we are aware and on the lookout if that should change."

It will be two to three days before the new coronavirus tests come back from the CDC, Phillips said. The state has a public health laboratory in Baltimore staffed with trained experts ready to begin new coronavirus testing as soon as it gets approval from federal health officials. The state also has software to "keep a virtual eye" remotely on people who may develop symptoms, she said.

"We do ask that they are quarantined at home," Phillips said of those being tested for the new coronavirus.

The new coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China. Symptoms are fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia, resulting in anything from mild respiratory issues to death.

"Travelers who are coming back from concerned areas," particularly mainland China, are being screened, Phillips said, and state health officials stay in touch with them for the duration of their quarantine period. There are 24-hour phone lines available at health departments statewide to handle inquiries about the new coronavirus, she said.

The new coronavirus is spread the same way as flu, according to Phillips, who offered guidance on how to stay safe from both.

"Don't stop washing your hands," Phillips said. "Wash your hands frequently. Cover your coughs. If you are sick, please don't come to work. Do not send your children to school. Avoid touching your face, touching your eyes — these are ways that viruses that may be on surfaces can be transmitted to us."

There are two differences between flu and the new coronavirus, Phillips said: "We know that there's not a vaccine available, and we know that there's not a medication available." She added that every day, more information was becoming available about the new coronavirus.

"It looks like the new coronavirus may disproportionately impact people who have chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cardiac problems and may impact disproportionately older people," Phillips said.

Flu remains "very active" and is still showing up in urgent care centers, Phillips said at the news conference Thursday with the governor.

The state will be adding a $10 million supplemental budget request to the Maryland legislature to address emergency funding for the new coronavirus, according to the governor.

"While we are hoping for the best," Hogan said, "we are also still actively planning for the worst."

How To Prepare

Local schools and day cares should plan for potential long-term closures, Hogan said.

Communities and cities should be prepared to modify, postpone or cancel mass gatherings, he added. Businesses should be prepared to have plans in place for employees to work remotely.

"I would encourage all Marylanders not to panic but to take this seriously and to continue to stay informed," Hogan said.

The governor encouraged people to visit health.maryland.com/coronavirus or call 211 to connect with a helpline representative immediately to get information and resources about coronavirus.

Tips To Keep Coronavirus From Spreading:

• Stay home except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. Avoid contact with your pet. Wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor. This will help the health care provider's office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
• Wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider's office.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95 percent alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95 percent alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with others in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean all "high-touch" surfaces every day, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe.

Deb Belt contributed to this report.