UPDATED: 7:50 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania cardiologist tested presumptive positive for the novel coronavirus, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said Monday morning.
The cardiologist from Upper Merion, who works in the King of Prussia hospital location, reportedly had contact with at least 13 patients. The person is hospitalized at the University of Pennsylvania in critical condition. The health department said the person tested presumptive positive after "known international exposure."
By Monday afternoon, health officials announced three new cases — an additional two in Montco and one in Monroe County — bringing the statewide total of presumptive positive cases to at least 10. Seven of those cases are from Montco, including Lower Merion, Lower Gwynedd and Worcester.
#COVID19 Update: PA now has 10 presumptive positive cases of coronavirus. Counties impacted to date include:✔️ Delaware (1)✔️ Monroe (1)✔️ Montgomery (7)✔️ Wayne (1) pic.twitter.com/2IclcRw4bY
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) March 9, 2020The other two Pennsylvania cases reported last week are in Delaware and Wayne counties.
As of now, two Montco patients and the one in Monroe are hospitalized.
The other Montco cases were reported with minor symptoms, and they are all isolated in their homes.
The governor's office said the proper precautions are in place at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to ensure the safety of staff and other patients.
"This is a rapidly evolving situation," said Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh.
Arkoosh said they have a list of patients and will talk to each of them — in a process called contact tracing — essentially sorting through the ripple effect.
The cardiologist was taken from his home by emergency medical services. First responders took precautions and wore appropriate protective equipment.
Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine provided few other details about the cases, citing privacy concerns. She did not explain why so many of Pennsylvania's cases are in the southeastern part of the state.
"I don't think there's any particular reason why there's more in Montgomery County than in other places," she said. "We have more people in Pennsylvania that live in the southeast, and so it's not surprising that we'll see that."
Pennsylvania, so far, does not have the community spread of coronavirus that is being seen in California and Washington state. So, for now, Levine said Pennsylvania officials are not calling for the cancellation of social events, but she urges people who are sick to stay home.
Philadelphia
There are no confirmed cases in the city, but Philadelphia health officials say five people are currently being tested for the virus.
New Jersey announces 4 more cases
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency Monday evening, saying this will allow state agencies to use state resources to communities responding to COVID-19 cases.
During a news conference in Ewing Township on Monday, New Jersey health officials announced five more presumptive positive cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the state total up to 11.
The patients range in age from 18 to 83 and vary from Passaic, Union, Bergen, and Monmouth counties. A Cherry Hill man tested positive last week.
At least 24 people are currently under state investigation for coronavirus.
Prevention and risk
The best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 are common-sense hygiene practices: Wash your hands, don't touch your face, cover your cough or sneeze, stay away from sick people, and stay home if you're sick.
For most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to COVID-19 is low, according to the CDC. The risk to the general public depends on how the virus spreads between people.
Most of the reported patients have had mild symptoms. Older adults or people with underlying health conditions are more at risk.
As of Monday, there have been 423 reported cases in the U.S. and 19 deaths, according to the CDC. Worldwide, there are nearly 109,600 cases and 3,800 deaths.
If someone is experiencing symptoms or believes he or she may have been exposed to the virus, they are advised to call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The Pennsylvania Department of Health can answer questions and notify a hospital. If you plan on visiting your doctor regarding coronavirus, notify your physician ahead of time so that precautions can be made.
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KYW Newsradio's Jim Melwert, Rachel Kurland and Tony Romeo contributed to this report.
