Coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation; we are continuing to learn more every day.  For example, we know that the vast majority of people who contract it will experience only mild symptoms and will recover within a few days in their own home.  Very few people will require hospitalization, and they are likely to be older adults, or individuals with chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease.  If you are an at-risk individual, click here for additional steps you can take.    

There’s also plenty to learn from our allies who have been working to combat coronavirus for several months.  South Korea, for instance, has diagnosed over 6,000 cases, and the fatality rate is less than one percent. 

South Korea’s response shows the importance of testing for coronavirus.  Last week, Congress approved $7.8 billion, over half of which is allocated to making test kits available in communities across the country and investing in vaccine development.  In Ohio, the state health department, multiple private labs, and several hospitals across the state can conduct tests, allowing people to have their results within a day.  That allows individuals to take steps to limit the spread of the infection quickly.

To date, there are three confirmed cases in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  Two of those individuals are husband and wife who had traveled internationally, and one who had been at a large conference in Washington, D.C.  That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), including avoiding non-essential travel to areas designated with a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, and avoiding crowds, particularly those in poorly ventilated areas, like convention centers. 

Again, I want to reiterate that coronavirus and COVID-19 poses a low risk to the general public, and there are steps you can take to stay healthy.  As a reminder:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day,
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash,
• Stay at home when you are sick,
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Officials at the federal, state, and local level are hard at work to combat this virus.  The State of Ohio has launched a call center to answer your questions, and I would encourage you to call for more information.  It is operating every day from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM, and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).  If you have any questions about the federal response, please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2015.