PITTSBURGH (Newsrdio 1020 KDKA) - The coronavirus is expected to reach the Pittsburgh area within weeks and when it does, UPMC administrators say they're ready for it.
They've been stocking up on supplies and making plans to quarantine patients and staff if needed.
Director of Infection Prevention, Dr. Graham Snyder, says they've also reviewed preparation plans for past pandemics including SARS, H1N1, and Ebola.=
"We continually screen for emerging infections and have for decades. In developing out COVID 19 preparedness, we started ahead of the curve, building on what we've learned from these previous epidemics and pandemics," says Dr. Snyder.
Since there is a shortage of test kits for COVID 19, Allegheny County Health Department officials say it could be months before they are able to conduct testing locally.
In the meantime, health officials will ship samples overnight to Harrisburg, where the state is able to test.
Dr. Snyder says UPMC is also working quickly to create its own testing.
"This is obviously a priority to be able to test patients more quickly if we are able to do it within our organization, but I do not have a date for when that will be available," says Dr. Snyder.
Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms of the coronavirus should contact their health care provider before going to the office so that proper precautions can be taken.
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