Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday he’s putting Pennsylvania into a virtual lockdown to combat the spread of the coronavirus, ordering Pennsylvanians to stay at home except for necessary trips and mandating all non-essential businesses closed until further notice.
The governor’s spokesperson said the announcement should come within the hour.
His spokeswoman says that Wolf will issue the stay-at-home order for Philadelphia and its surrounding counties(Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties); Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh; and Monroe County in the Pocono Mountains.
Together, those counties account for 75% of the state’s confirmed cases of COVID-19. It’s the latest in a series of progressively tougher measures imposed by Wolf in the face of a global pandemic that state officials say threatens to swamp hospitals and spike the death toll.
This is a developing story. Details to follow…
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.
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