US: Confirmed COVID-19 cases increase to 89 across New York state as Cuomo issues emergency March 7 /update 18

Event

According to New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo, the number of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases has increased to 89 across New York state as of Saturday, March 7. Of the 89 confirmed cases, 70 have been reported in Westchester county, 11 in New York City, four in Nassau county, two in Rockland county, and two in Saratoga county. The rise in confirmed case numbers was reported hours after Cuomo declared a state of emergency in New York state over COVID-19 concerns, allowing the state to "perform expedited procurement, leasing of lab space, hiring, and more" to aid local health departments and curb the spread of the outbreak in the state.

Further international spread of COVID-19 is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "very high" at the global level.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.

Travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.