January 29, 2020
CONTACT: Kara Kane 
Email: kara.kane@erie.gov  
Phone: (716) 858-4941

STATEMENT FROM THE ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON NOVEL CORONAVIRUS

January 29, 2020 – The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is closely following a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in partnership with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our local health care providers and facilities.

According to the CDC, at this time the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus, is considered low.

However, we are in the middle of flu season, a time when influenza and other respiratory diseases are common. As preventive measures, ECDOH recommends frequent handwashing and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces like door knobs, countertops and tables, telephones and children’s toys to prevent the spread of germs. Avoiding close contact with people who are ill, staying home when you are sick, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing are also encouraged. ECDOH also recommends flu vaccination for people ages 6 months and older.

For individuals considering travel out of the United States – for business, study or vacation - we advise checking the CDC Travel Health Notices web site (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices). These notices are updated regularly. As with any international travel, talk to your physician or health care provider about what precautions you should take before and during travel. 

There are no restrictions for local or regional travel, and there are no closings of colleges or universities.  

Factual, evidence-based information and updates about this new coronavirus are available from:

• CDC, Novel Coronavirus in China: http://www.cdc.gov/wuhan
• NYSDOH, Coronavirus: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

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