Coronavirus Evacuees to Arrive at Lackland Friday
February 6, 2020 - San Antonio
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate with the World Health Organization (WHO), federal, state and local public health partners, and clinicians in response to the 2019 nCoV (coronavirus). CDC is closely monitoring the situation, and working 24/7 to provide updates. Photo: Centers for Disease Control.
By Jade Esteban Estrada - Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
The City of San Antonio provided updates this afternoon regarding the arrival of travelers from China who will take part in the novel coronavirus quarantine on Lackland Air Force Base. The passengers, who are expected to arrive on Friday, February 7, are asymptomatic United States citizens and/or permanent residents and have been and will continue to be screened throughout a 14-day period.
As of noon today, Bexar County has no reports of any individuals diagnosed with the coronavirus and the risk to the public from this virus continues to remain low. There are 12 confirmed cases in the United States and none in Texas. By contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that there have been between 19,000,000 and 26,000,000 flu illnesses, which have resulted in approximately 10,000 deaths.
No Bexar County residents have been referred to the City of San Antonio from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport since President Donald J. Trump issued a public health emergency declaration. The City and its partners are prepared to begin active monitoring of individuals when they arrive. The observation will be conducted as a partnership between Metro Health and the San Antonio Fire Department Mobile Integrated Health Unit.
RELATED: Lackland AFB Selected as Coronavirus Quarantine Site for Repatriated U.S. Citizens from China
Metro Health continues to maintain an up-to-date website which will provide current updates to anyone seeking information on the situation. Information regarding the novel coronavirus is also available in American Sign Language.
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus in it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing one’s hands; and rarely, fecal contamination.
Patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
The best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to this virus, which are similar to the precautions one would take to avoid the flu. CDC always recommends the following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and services.
Jade Esteban Estrada covers news and politics for the San Antonio Sentinel. Email him at jade@sasentinel.com.