HARRISBURG, Pa. — Governor Tom Wolf has signed a COVID-19 disaster declaration to provide increased support for state response following an announcement that Pennsyvlania has two presumptive positive cases of coronavirus.
"In the last few hours we have received confirmation of two presumed, and I emphasize the word of presumed, of COVID-19 or coronavirus in Pennsylvania," said Governor Tom Wolf. "I'm saying presumed positive for a reason because the results have to be confirmed through the CDC."
One of the individuals is an adult from Wayne County and is currently in their home in isolation. That individual recently traveled to a country where COVID-19 is present.
The other individual is from an adult from Delaware County and is currently in their home in isolation. The individual recently traveled to an area of the United States where COVID-19 is present.
"One case traveled extensively in Europe including to level 3 travel warning countries and did not move around Pennsylvania upon return," said Dr. Sharon Watkins, State Epidemiologist. She added, "one of the cases had exposure to another confirmed case in another state."
The individuals are reporting to the state daily and they are not allowed to go outside.
"We have a legal quarantine. It would be illegal to go out," Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, said about the two individuals.
Pennsylvania officials are now actively working to find anyone who may have come in contact with the two individuals so they can be held in a 14-day quarantine.
The presumptive positive tests were discovered early Friday morning.
Governor Wolf said the state has been preparing for this scenario and has had a command center up and running for 5 weeks.
"Right now the emphasis of the plan is mitigation tactics to keep the virus from spreading widely," the Governor said. He added, "we will do what it takes to make sure Pennsylvanians are safe."
"We expect more cases to be confirmed in the upcoming days and weeks and we want everyone to take action to prevent the spread," said Levine.
The state urges everyone to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, cough into elbows, clean surfaces, and stay home if they are sick.
To date, there are nearly 100,000 cases worldwide, including more than 3,300 deaths.
There are 233 cases and 12 deaths to date in the United States.
Individuals who intend on traveling outside of the United States are urged to check the CDC’s and the federal Department of State’s travel guidance. Currently there are outbreaks of COVID-19 occurring within numerous countries across the world. The number of countries seeing new cases has increased significantly over the last week.
“As this situation evolves, we will continually update Pennsylvanians through our website, health.pa.gov, our Facebook page and our Twitter account,” Dr. Levine said. “It’s important to remember that the most accurate and timely information regarding this outbreak is available through the Department of Health.”
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Individuals most at risk for severe symptoms include elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Anyone who does not feel well should:
- 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.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with their elbow, not their hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.
- Contain- if someone is sick, they should stay home until they are feeling better.
To date the Wolf Administration has:
- Activated of the Department of Health’s Emergency Operations Center to allow for enhanced response coordination;
- Began testing for COVID-19 at the state laboratory;
- Maintained communication and outreach with federal, state and local partners;
- Provided symptom monitoring for residents returning from areas impacted by coronavirus;
- Provided health care providers, businesses and education providers with information;
- Reviewed and adapted current pandemic flu plans to prepare for spread of COVID-19;
- Increased testing capacity to test 20-25 individuals a day;
- Purchased equipment to increase testing capacity to 125-150 individuals within a day.
For more information on coronavirus visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE: Governor's Office