Tampa Locals test positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Two cases of Coronavirus have been reported in the Tampa Bay area.

Late Sunday, The Florida Department of Health announced two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Florida.

The first known Tampa area patient is an adult in Hillsborough County with a history of travel to Italy. According to the state, this person is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials.

Another patient is an adult in Manatee County. According to the Department of Health, the patient does not have a travel history to countries identified for restricted travel by the CDC.

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis stated that he ordered the Florida State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, to take declare a public health emergency and authorized him to take “any action necessary to protect the public health.”

“We are working directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local medical providers to ensure these individuals receive the proper treatment and that anyone who has come into contact with them is following the necessary protocols, limiting or stopping any further spread,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees.

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

The CDC has offered some tips it believes will help prevent the spread of the disease.

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

3. Stay home when you are sick.

4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

6. Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

7. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

8. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

9. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

10. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

And if you get develop mild symptoms, the World Health Organization recommends staying home.