Village Briefs Residents on Coronavirus

The Center for Disease control recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Pixabay)

The Village of Key Biscayne issued a statement Friday to reassure residents that it is taking measures to monitor the coronavirus, which has reached epidemic status in China and appeared in other countries and multiple cities in the United States.

“The bottom line is that we want our residents and visitors to be prepared and protect themselves,” said Key Biscayne Fire Rescue Chief Eric Lang. “It’s important because Key Biscayne is an international village, and we’re just trying to make sure residents are aware.”

The Village is working closely with Miami-Dade County’s Office of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health to provide Key Biscayne residents, local partners, and visitors current and accurate health and travel advisories regarding the coronavirus.

First reported from Wuhan, China on Dec. 31, 2019, the coronavirus is a respiratory virus thought to be transmitted through animal-to-person or person-to-person contact, either inhaled or by touch.  Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, which appear within 2-14 days after exposure.

The World Health Organization issued a Feb. 6 situation report confirming 28,060 cases and 564 related fatalities in China and 12 cases detected in Washington, California, Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

Last week, the U.S. declared the virus a public health emergency and imposed travel restrictions on flights and passengers coming from China. The Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport have set up quarantine areas to screen for the virus, and many airlines have reduced or suspended service to and from China.

“Am I overly concerned?” said Chief Lang. “No, everyday we can learn more, but currently there’s no active coronavirus in Florida. I encourage everyone to stay vigilant – that means taking those universal precautions, and if you have any respiratory concerns, call 911 and we will happily respond.”

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus issued by the Center for Disease control include:

• 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 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.