COP HAS THE VIRUS
Montgomery County continues to lead state with 9 cases
EAGLEVILLE » A Lower Providence Township police officer is the latest person to test presumptive positive for the coronavirus disease COVID-19, which brings the total to nine cases in Montgomery County, commissioners’ Chairwoman Valerie Arkoosh said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
According to Arkoosh, the 35-year-old man, who lives in Perkiomen Township, “had direct contact with a previously announced presumptive positive individual.”
She couldn’t confirm which case, but did say health officials are working on finishing up contact tracing. The man is at home being monitored as his “symptoms don’t require hospitalization.”
When asked about precautions being taken for the county’s first responders, Arkoosh said there are 50 municipal police departments that also have mutual aid agreements, which allows agencies and other jurisdictions to “quickly obtain emergency assistance” through several vehicles including personnel and equipment, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“This is a community that works together very very well,” she said.
Arkoosh added there are also plans in place at this time for the county’s correctional facility that account for staffing and visitation.
Meanwhile, contact tracing is “underway” for
a 61-year-old man from another state who tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 and is being hospitalized in Montgomery County, Arkoosh said. However, he is not being included in the total number of cases in this jurisdiction.
“Individuals are being counted where they reside, therefore this person will not be part of our count here in Montgomery County,” Arkoosh said.
Elsewhere, Philadelphia’s first presumptive positive case was reported on Tuesday, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Arkoosh confirmed the Philadelphia resident works “in the eastern part of Montgomery County.” Two cases were reported in Bucks County.
She said the state’s Department of Health is working on completing contact tracing.
“As I continue to say, the situation here in Montgomery County with the coronavirus COVID-19 disease continues to be rapidly evolving,” Arkoosh said.
When discussing contact tracing, Arkoosh offered an update to the status of the 70-year-old Cheltenham Township woman who tested presumptive positive. She was identified during Tuesday’s press conference.
The case involved Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, and health officials plan to discuss her status Thursday, Arkoosh said.
“At this point, at least on our side we don’t have a direct contact that we’re aware of back to a presumptive positive case, but I still just want to say that we’re going to have one more meeting about that tomorrow and make sure that nothing has slipped through the cracks,” she said.
Arkoosh said Tuesday that woman would be the first community case of the disease, as opposed to known contact case, if no contact is determined.
Symptoms of COVID-19 disease include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Arkoosh emphasized that anyone who may be experiencing these symptoms should call a doctor first before heading to health care facility, unless symptoms are “life threatening.”
If they are, she said to call 911.
“It’s critically important that we keep our medical staff safe,” she said.
Several groups are vulnerable to the coronavirus disease including people who are elderly, immunocompromised or have an underlying health issue, according to Arkoosh.
“We have to all work together to keep everybody in our community safe,” she said.
Arkoosh also recommended several good health habits to follow including avoiding touching the face, washing hands thoroughly, keeping surfaces clean and not touching other people.
“Handshaking is done. Hugs are over. None of that,” she said.
Arkoosh further suggested that people that “public gatherings, and even larger private gatherings” be canceled or postponed in Montgomery County.
“It’s just the thing that we need to do at this point to gather together as a community, to help our friends and neighbors stay safe,” Arkoosh said. “We must
put our community before any of our personal convenience.”
However, it appears unclear how large is large enough to cause concern.
“I don’t want to put a number on it. I don’t think the number is the point,” she said. “I think the point is who’s coming and who is elderly or has an elderly parent in their home where being exposed could actually cause substantial risk.”
However, she did stress the importance of people remaining calm as roughly 80 percent of people will have “mild symptoms.”
“No one needs to panic,” Arkoosh said.
As for testing for COVID-19, it’s been a hot topic as cases continue to rise globally, nationally, as well as at the state and local levels.
Arkoosh said tests involve two swabs: one to the back of a person’s throat or cheek, and another in the nose.
Arkoosh said she discussed the matter with several state agencies who are working to see if tests can be processed in facilities such as hospitals and the state’s Department of Health labs.
“I anticipate that relatively quickly there will be increased capacity for testing,” she said.
When asked about “stocking up on items,” Arkoosh recommended people stock up on an additional 30 days of medication and food for people or pets with dietary needs.
But, she added that “common sense” is key.
“We’ve all been through blizzards. We’ve been through hurricanes. We know how to do this here in Pennsylvania,” she said. “So just take those common sense precautions.”