LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Health is preparing for a possible coronavirus outbreak in the United States after the CDC issued a warning Tuesday it expects the virus to spread.
The good news is, Arkansas still has zero cases of the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). But the virus continues to spread to even more countries, prompting the CDC warning.
"And we don't have anyone right now that we're evaluating," Dr. Jennifer Dillaha said.
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha with the Arkansas Department of Health said a spread in communities in the U.S. and in Arkansas is a very real possibility. It is something the department is getting ready for.
"Phone calls with the CDC every day, we're meeting to revise our plans," she said.
The Health Department has been planning for years on what to do in the case of an influenza pandemic. This happens when a new flu virus that is different from the seasonal flu viruses emerges and spreads quickly, causing illness worldwide. Officials are adjusting that plan for the coronavirus because it is very similar to the flu.
"It is spread the same way: by respiratory droplets," Dr. Dillaha said. "So, many things we would do to slow down the spread would be applicable."
The plan includes canceling or discouraging large community gatherings like concerts or football games. Schools would likely be closed or students would take classes online. Employers would also be encouraged to have their employees work from home.
"And it may vary from community to community and where the spread is," Dr. Dillaha said.
Other countries where there is a COVID-19 outbreak already have similar plans in place.
The CDC said the virus has spread to 32 countries, including Italy and South Korea, where a level 3 travel advisory was just put in place.
"They've also issued an alert to ask people to reconsider cruise ships in the Asian area," Dr. Dillaha said.
So far in the US, 14 coronavirus cases have been diagnosed in six states.
Twelve of these 14 cases were related to travel to China. Two cases are people who live with travelers who developed the virus.
But no cases have been confirmed through public contact in the United States.
"But that could happen, and that's why we're paying very close attention to what's going on in the world and the US and we're getting ready," Dr. Dillaha said.