NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — There's some concern throughout Hampton Roads now that the Coronavirus has reached Virginia Beach.
In Newport News, officials are doing everything to eliminate fear.
“There's no reason for panic, just a common theme of information, still be mindful of all the flu precautions,” Newport News Fire Chief Jeff Johnson said.
Leaders formed a working group of city and school staff along with representatives from the Virginia Department of Health and local healthcare systems.
The group said just as we prepare for hurricane season, we need to prepare for the potential spread of the coronavirus to Newport News.
Johnson is leading the city's efforts to stay prepared. He is pushing everyone to the Virginia Department of Health's website to get all the information they need, as the city continues to push out information as well.
“We've done some enhanced measures for first responders and hospital systems are stepping up some of their enhanced measures,” Johnson said.
The Sheriff's Office is also putting precautions in place to protect inmates, staff, and volunteers at the city jail.
Starting Friday, the Sheriff's Office is suspending the weekender program and volunteer classes for inmates. Officials will reassess the suspension in three weeks (April 3).
Medical staff at the jail are also stepping up the screening of all new arrests coming into the jail, looking for any signs or symptoms.
It’s not just Newport News staying prepared. Leaders in Hampton formed a special task group to prepare in the event the disease reaches the peninsula.
City, school and public health officials are meeting regularly to monitor the spread of the disease and to prepare.
Symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, cough, shortness of breath – have ranged from mild to severe, and like other respiratory illnesses, it is spread through coughing and sneezing. There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease, and the CDC recommends that we take the following steps to help prevent the spread of not only this virus, but the flu and other respiratory diseases as well.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
For more details on COVID-19, including preparation and prevention guidelines, visit the Virginia Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.