UPDATED: March 5, 6:55 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Officials from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health said Thursday two people are under investigation for the COVID-19 coronavirus in Philadelphia.
The department does not comment on ongoing cases.
Health officials still believe the risk of infection from COVID-19 to the average Philadelphian is very low.
A spokesperson from the health department says there are three things that would lead to an investigation: The person must have been admitted into the hospital with severe respiratory symptoms and no other diagnosis to explain it; the person has traveled to areas where the virus is circulating and showing flu-like symptoms; the person could have been exposed to someone who has been confirmed to have the virus.
Dr. Kristen Feemster, a contagious diseases expert with the city Health Department, recommends that people take the same precautions they would to avoid any other respiratory virus this time of year.
"Wash your hands, have hand sanitizer with you, avoid sick persons," Feemster said.
The best ways to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 are:-- Wash your hands-- Don’t touch your face-- Cover your cough or sneeze-- Stay away from sick people-- Stay home if you’re sickLearn more: https://t.co/cqvArud8Dh pic.twitter.com/FGPMQ333ip
— Philly Health Prepare (@PHLHlthPrepare)
March 4, 2020 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.
___
Tune in to 1060-AM and on the RADIO.COM app Friday at 7 p.m. for a special presentation of "KYW In Depth: Coronavirus, Just the Facts." Subscribe to the KYW In Depth podcast now.
KYW Newsradio's Antionette Lee contributed to this report.
