The top health official in New Orleans is urging everyone to get ready for coronavirus to spread locally.
"Most of the experts agree that we can expect a spread," Dr. Jennifer Avegno told WWL First News.
The city's health director explained, "The governor stated that we can expect to have cases in Louisiana, and although we do not currently, I think that is a reasonable assumption."
So what should people do?
"I am doing what I help everyone else is doing," Avegno said. "That's making sure I am washing my hands a lot more probably than we are all used to washing our hands, that I am making sure that my family's plan is up to date... just like you would for a tropical storm."
She says people should not go to work if they are sick, and should make sure they don't spread any illnesses now that could tax the health care system.
The doctor stresses that fear of the coronavirus spread should not cause panic.
"Most people who are young and relatively healthy have mild cases," the health director explained. "It seems to affect the elderly and those who are ill in a disproportionate way."
Avegno notes that New Orleans officials are watching how authorities in other areas of the country are confronting the coronavirus, and they are making preparations.