Charlie Baker, public health officials preparing for more potential coronavirus cases

Gov. Charlie Baker and state health officials say they are preparing for the possibility of an outbreak of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts, promising they are “thinking ahead” while insisting there is a continued low risk to residents.

“It is possible we will see more cases, and we are preparing for it,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said at a Monday press conference.

Baker outlined preparation measures including the launch of a new website dedicated to coronavirus information, upcoming public messaging on the MBTA and roadways and the establishment of an incident command structure which will facilitate decision-making.

“We are thinking ahead, and will continue to do everything we need to do to keep Massachusetts safe and prepared,” Baker said.

Federal Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, meanwhile, took on a “prepare for the worst, hope for the best” approach on Monday, saying he expects to see more “community spread” of the disease nationwide.

Azar said the risk for people who have been exposed to identified cases can be high and the degree of risk can change rapidly.

Another four coronavirus deaths were reported Monday, increasing the death toll in the United States to six.

A total of 91 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in the U.S, Vice President Mike Pence said in a Monday night press conference.

“This is an all-hands-on-deck effort,” said Pence, adding that he held a meeting with pharmaceutical companies to talk about vaccines and therapeutics for the virus.

“There may well be a vaccine going to clinical trials within the next six weeks,” said Pence.

Cases across the globe are approaching 90,000 with more than 3,000 deaths reported, according to the World Health Organization. There are coronavirus cases in 65 countries.

In Massachusetts, 231 people remain under a 14-day period of self-quarantine at home due to possible coronavirus exposure.

Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel said the agency is providing clinical and infection control prevention guidance to local hospitals, monitoring the amount of available medical supplies and performing diagnostic tests of sick patients.

Massachusetts was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to perform coronavirus diagnostic tests last week, which will be conducted in the state public health laboratory.

Massachusetts officials have taken federal guidance on travel restrictions to regions of Italy, South Korea and Iran, and said international school trips scheduled for spring should be canceled.

“We think that that is very important guidance for people to consider,” said Sudders.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/32Is1lL