City leaders Monday stressed the importance of hand-washing, practicing good hygiene and preparing for the spread of the coronavirus while stressing it has not reached Nebraska.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said city recommendations that residents have a two-week supply of food in their home are similar to those made for residents ahead of a winter storm.Ìý
Gaylor Baird andÌýInterim Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Director Pat Lopez said the medical community, businesses, school systems and the city are in constant communication about the coronavirus.
Novel coronavirus, also called COVID-19, will likely spread across the U.S., federal officials have said.Ìý
As of Monday, the only coronavirus cases in Nebraska involved those patients brought here for treatment or quarantine, city officials said.
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"When that situation changes, the public will know, and they will hear it from us," Lopez said.Ìý
The city will hold regular updates as needed to inform the public about the spread of the virus, the mayor said.
Meanwhile, residents should ensure they're washing their hands, covering their mouth when they cough and sneeze and staying home if sick, Lopez said.Ìý
Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, an infectious disease specialist for CHI Health, said those concerned that they may have contracted COVID-19 should call ahead to the doctor's office or hospital they're going to and inform staff they are coming so that staff can prepare.Ìý
Most cases of novel coronavirus have been mild, and most people who will get the virus will be able to recover at home, Vivekanandan said.ÌýÌý