The Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced that the first case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Philadelphia has been identified. The case is an adult who was recently around people with the disease.
Watch the press conference, including American Sign Language deaf hearing interpretation.
The Health Department has already spoken to a number of people that were exposed and is recommending that they stay away from other people. The Health Department is also working with the patient to identify and reach out to anyone else who may have had close, personal contact with this person to recommend they isolate themselves from others for 14 days.
The City continues to work closely with the health care community in the region, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to try to identify possible cases and work to prevent the spread.
The best way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with, or spreading, COVID-19 coronavirus is to practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Try to stay away from people who are visibly sick
- Everyone should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth
- People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your regular primary care provider, and let them know if you have been around someone who had COVID-19 coronavirus:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
The Health Department has a website with the latest guidance and recommendations on COVID-19 coronavirus.
