U.S. steps up screenings and warnings with emerging risk

Yuba-Sutter – The World Health Organization tracking the novel coronavirus last Friday declared a “public health emergency of international concern,” but Yuba-Sutter Health Office Dr. Phuong Luu notes the overall risk to the general public in the bi-county region is low.

“Currently, there are no persons under investigation for suspected or confirmed novel coronavirus in the bi-county Yuba and Sutter region,” Dr. Luu said. “The overall risk to the general public in the bi-county region remains low.”

The novel coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 also resulted in a declared public health emergency for the United States, in an effort to aid the healthcare community in responding efficiently to the emerging risk.

Currently, all US citizen travelers and their close family members returning from Hubei Province, China, will be re-routed to 11 designated airports in the US to undergo screening and are required to participate in a 14-day mandatory quarantine. US citizens and their close family members who are returning from all other parts of mainland China will undergo proactive screening and are advised to undergo self-quarantine.

Dr. Luu said both the Yuba County and Sutter County Health Departments are in close contact with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will be notified if any returning travelers from the bi-county region qualify for mandatory or self-quarantine.

The novel coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets, similar to the common cold and flu. The CDC recommends the following everyday preventive actions:

• Wash 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
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home from work and school when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and disinfect your hands after
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Anyone who has recently traveled to mainland China or been in close contact with a person who has should contact his or her doctor for further guidance. Do NOT go into a clinic or Emergency Room without first consulting a medical doctor.

Dr. Luu said there are a number of online rumors cropping up that contain inaccurate information about the novel coronavirus. She said residents looking for verified information can go to www.cdph.ca.gov or www.cdc.gov.