Coronavirus Risk ‘ Low ’ For Massachusetts Residents, Health Officials Say

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Coronavirus has killed at least 17 people in China, and one person in the United States who had traveled from Wuhan has been diagnosed with the disease. But the risk to Massachusetts residents is low, the state’s Department of Public Health said Wednesday. “The risk to Massachusetts residents from this novel coronavirus is currently low, however, this is the season for respiratory viruses including the flu and many of the same recommended precautions apply to coronaviruses,” a spokeswoman for the department told WBZ-TV. The department sent a letter to health care providers advising them on how to handle possible coronavirus cases. “Patients who report recent travel to Wuhan who present to any facility or provider with a fever, lower respiratory tract symptoms (such as shortness of breath and cough), and/or contact with a known novel coronavirus patient should be asked to wear a surgical mask and be evaluated in a private room with the door closed, ideally an airborne infection isolation room if available,” the letter states. “Healthcare personnel entering the room should use standard precautions, contact precautions, airborne precautions, and use eye protection.” Boston’s Logan Airport is not currently screening passengers for coronavirus because there are no direct flights coming in from the Wuhan area. However, on Wednesday night, several passengers who arrived in Boston from Hong Kong were screened as a precaution. &...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Boston News Health Syndicated CBSN Boston Coronavirus Source Type: news