Philadelphia Officials Say Coronavirus Outbreak In City Matter Of When, Not If
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia airport, SEPTA and city officials are preparing for a possible coronavirus outbreak in the city. Health officials confirmed Friday that there are no identified cases of coronavirus in Philadelphia currently, but they say an outbreak is a matter of when, not if.
"The situation is changing very rapidly and our response is changing rapidly," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said.
The Philadelphia Health Department says one person is currently under investigation for possible coronavirus.
Philadelphia is preparing for the worst when it comes to a coronavirus outbreak.
"If this infection were to spread widely, there is a risk that more people will become sick and there is a risk of social disruption from the disease itself and from our response," Farley said. "But, if we respond quickly, and if we work cooperatively and follow through on the basic public health approaches, we can limit the spread and protect Philadelphia's residents."
To prepare for a possible outbreak, Philadelphia International Airport officials say they're using a new powerful disinfectant on frequently touched surfaces like handrails, elevators and in restrooms.
SEPTA says they are increasing their cleaning schedules on trains, buses and in stations.
"We're going to see our employees on a regular basis go out on a normal cleaning schedule," SEPTA's James Fox said. "But in between that schedule, we'll have individuals going out and periodically hitting our high touch service areas both at our stations and vehicles."
Mayor Jim Kenney says they are watching the situation closely.
"We're monitoring the situation with our state, regional and local parties and receiving and distributing CDC guidelines," Kenney said, adding the risk to Philadelphians is low.
Considering we're nearing the end of flu season and entering allergy season, Farley says you only have to worry about coronavirus if you have specific symptoms.
"Coronavirus causes fever and a dry cough. Those are the symptoms people should be looking for, not a runny nose. If people have a fever and a dry cough, the first thing they should do is stay away from other people. Stay home. If they have that and have been exposed to others who we think may have coronavirus or they have traveled to a country where this virus is spreading, then they should contact their doctor about being tested," Farley said.
People in Philadelphia have very different opinions when asked if they are concerned about the coronavirus.
"Absolutely, I'm scared to death," traveler Jim Ross said.
"Yeah, I'm concerned. I got family, loved ones and myself. I don't want to catch the coronavirus," Ron Tindal said.
"I'm just not," Robert Christian said.
While there is a clear difference in opinion over what the concern level should be, Eyewitness News found one universal.
"I've got my hand santizer in my pockets," one man said.
"Hand sanitizer, extra clean," one woman said.
City officials said they will work with the CDC and state officials to identify any individuals who may have the virus and to make sure they don't spread it to other people.
CBS3's Howard Monroe and Alexandria Hoff contributed to this report.
