In this Feb. 6, 2020, photo, released by the California Department of Public Health, is a demonstration of the equipment and procedures that will be used at the department's Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory lab in Richmond, Calif., to conduct tests for novel coronavirus. This is not an actual test of a novel coronavirus specimen. (California Department of Public Health via AP)
(California Department of Public Health via AP)
(California Department of Public Health via AP)
In this Feb. 6, 2020, photo, released by the California Department of Public Health, is a demonstration of the equipment and procedures that will be used at the department's Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory lab in Richmond, Calif., to conduct tests for novel coronavirus. This is not an actual test of a novel coronavirus specimen. (California Department of Public Health via AP)
On Friday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf held a press conference to announce that two people in Pennsylvania have tested positive for the coronavirus. Over the weekend, health officials announced that four additional people are presumed positive, bringing the total to six.
State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, MD, explained that Pennsylvania health authorities first test potentially infected patients for the virus and then send samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm the results. Levine says the state is monitoring people who may have come into contact with all six individuals who have tested positive.
Governor Tom Wolf also declared a disaster emergency on Friday and wants the state legislature to pass a proposal allowing him to declare a public health emergency, which would come with dedicated funding.
The viral outbreak began in China and is now a world-wide health threat. The CDC reports that this is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation and they will provide updates as they become available.
On Monday’s Smart Talk we’ll focus on the coronavirus with Dr. John Goldman, MD, an Infectious Disease specialist with UPMC Pinnacle and Transforming Health Reporter Brett Sholtis.
Pennsylvania Department of Health question line: 1-877-724-3258 and UPMC Pinnacle nurses advice line: 1-866-918-1591
