Woman With Presumed Coronavirus Quarantined In Delco Home

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — After Gov. Tom Wolf announced a presumptive case of the novel coronavirus in Delaware County, officials in the county provided an update on that patient Friday during a press conference.

County officials said the patient is a female who recently traveled to an area of the country where coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is present. The case was not spread through the local community.

The patient first presented symptoms at a health care facility, but did not specify which facility, after learning someone they were in contact with someone who had the illness.

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Officials said the patient is self quarantined in her home. The patient's location was not disclosed.

The CDC and Pennsylvania health officials are conducting "aggressive" contact tracing to find who she may have been in contact with, according to the county.

In late February, the county detailed its plan for possible outbreaks in the area, and recently provided additional protective gear for its first responders to protect them from potential infections.

"We want to assure residents that we are prepared," said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Dr.
Monica Taylor. "County officials first began meeting in January to discuss how the County can prevent the spread of Coronavirus and also how to plan for a local outbreak. Members have been in daily communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC to monitor the situation. The health and safety of our residents is our top priority."

Wolf Friday also said a person in Wayne County has a presumed case of the illness.

The disaster declaration follows the Department of Health's activation of its Department Operations Center at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency's headquarters to conduct public health and medical coordination for COVID-19 throughout the state.

Earlier Friday, the Central Bucks School District in Bucks County closed five schools after people within the district were exposed to a confirmed case of coronavirus. A person from out of state, who is now known to have coronavirus, attended a recent private gathering at a residence in central Bucks County, county officials said. Students and staff at five schools were in attendance.

On Thursday, Pennsylvania health officials issued new guidelines for residents returning from China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.

A lab in Chester County has begun testing for the virus. The CDC said in late January that it would be screening passengers at the Philadelphia International Airport for the illness.

To date, there are nearly 100,000 cases of the coronavirus worldwide, including more than 3,300 deaths. There are 233 cases in the United States. Overnight, the number of U.S. deaths from the virus rose overnight by two to 14, with most of them from a single nursing home in the Seattle area.

President Donald Trump Friday signed an $8.3 billion measure that the U.S. Senate approved Thursday to tackle the new coronavirus outbreak, which surged to more than 100,000 confirmed cases overnight into Friday.

The money would pay for a multi-dimensional attack on the virus that is beginning to threaten major disruptions in the United States.

According to Pennsylvania health officials, travelers who are self-monitoring their health and practicing social distancing should:

• Take your temperature with a thermometer twice day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
• Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period.
• If you must leave your home, do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
• If you must leave your home, avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to help stop the spread of viruses by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched items.
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.

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