Prevention is main focus of local COVID-19 meeting

Don't panic. Don't be afraid. "But you do want to know what's going on and be wise," said Health Commissioner Beth Schweitzer told a group of local emergency services personnel, healthcare providers and other officials who met Tuesday afternoon to review a local plan should COVID-19 — the coronavirus — begin to affect people in Seneca County. Schweitzer said the main focus right now is on prevention. "It's not a real high number yet and people are not going to be exposed right away," she said. "It's going to take a while for this to happen." She said she and others at the Seneca County General Health District have been getting daily updates on the spread of the virus for a few weeks, but Monday was the first report of people in Ohio who had contracted the illness. "The way it has spread out across the world, we can see it's a rapidly-changing situation," she said. The Ohio Department of Health Monday reported three cases on its COVID-19 web page. The number Tuesday remained at three cases, but the number of persons under investigation has risen to 15 (from five Monday). Schweitzer said all three people are in their mid-50s and are not hospitalized. "The immediate risk for the public right now is considered low," she said at the meeting. "But we want to talk about preventing the spread." She said people who have traveled to areas where the virus is widespread are the ones most at risk. Travel warnings have been issued for China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea. Schweitzer said healthcare workers should understand that anyone with a fever along with acute lower respiratory illness should be tested. The main symptoms are fever, cough and difficulty breathing. "Shortness of breath and respiratory distress are the main differences from the regular flu," she said. "Really having difficulty breathing. That's the true difference." The main concerns are the elderly, people with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions. Schweitzer said the most important information for the public right now is prevention practices. "I know it seems so simplistic, but the best things is washing hands," she said. Washing for at least 20 seconds with soap, including between the fingers. She said any soap is fine as long as there's good friction during washing. Schweitzer said she's tried on her own to not touch her eyes, nose or mouth, and has found it difficult, but that's also an effective way to keep from acquiring the virus. Another method is social distancing, which means ideally staying at least 6 feet away from any other person. "Avoid shaking hands, hugging and kissing," she said. And, of course, don't share water bottles, cups or similar items. "If you yourself are sick, stay home," she said. However, she said anyone experiencing symptoms should visit a healthcare professional. He or she should call ahead so staff members can be prepared with a mask and an isolated location. Schweitzer said anyone who knows they've been in contact with someone with COVID-19 should isolate themselves. She said masks are not recommended for the general public because it makes fewer available for the healthcare workers who need them and because people who aren't trained in the use of masks can contaminate themselves when they take off the mask anyway. "We want to keep the supplies for people who urgently need them," she said. "We want to be sure our healthcare providers who are going to be caring for these people are the ones who can get protective equipment." Emergency Management Agency Director John Spahr said medical personnel should conserve personal protective equipment because it's in short supply. "There is no Ohio stockpile of PPE equipment," he said. One of the main reasons for the governor declaring a state of emergency Monday, he said, was to put Ohio in line for the supplies that may be needed and not because there's imminent danger. He said the declaration makes it easier for people to get the equipment they need faster than with standard procedure. For more information, check the websites of the local health department, Ohio Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control. Another method of getting local updates when they are available is by joining the Wireless Emergency Notification System for Seneca County. Text SenecaAlerts to 69310 for general county alerts, or be more specific about alerts by visiting entry.inspironlogistics.com/seneca_ohio/wens.cfm?.