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Coronavirus: Should Americans be worried? Coronavirus: Should Americans be worried?
(3 days later)
The coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China, has now reached dozens of countries and it is just a matter of time before it begins to spread in the US.The coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China, has now reached dozens of countries and it is just a matter of time before it begins to spread in the US.
So how prepared is the country?So how prepared is the country?
How fast is Covid-19 spreading?How fast is Covid-19 spreading?
Thousands of new cases are being reported each day, and the true scale could be 10 times higher.Thousands of new cases are being reported each day, and the true scale could be 10 times higher.
There are 60 confirmed cases in the US, 10 in Canada. There are 88 confirmed cases in the US, 24 in Canada.
Officials say local risk remains low, but this could change. Six people have died in the US due to the virus.
Officials say risk remains low for the general US public, but this could change.
How prepared is the US?How prepared is the US?
President Donald Trump says the situation is "well under control", while officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn the virus will spread and may severely disrupt daily life.President Donald Trump says the situation is "well under control", while officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn the virus will spread and may severely disrupt daily life.
US health chief Alex Azar has asked Congress for $2.5bn (£1.9bn) - with over $1bn needed to develop a vaccine. The rest would fund quarantine efforts and supplies, including surgical masks. Mr Azar said the US only has 30 million - and it needs 300 million.US health chief Alex Azar has asked Congress for $2.5bn (£1.9bn) - with over $1bn needed to develop a vaccine. The rest would fund quarantine efforts and supplies, including surgical masks. Mr Azar said the US only has 30 million - and it needs 300 million.
The president's political rivals have also renewed criticisms over his 2018 decision to dismantle the National Security Council global health unit. The CDC's global health division also saw drastic cuts that year.The president's political rivals have also renewed criticisms over his 2018 decision to dismantle the National Security Council global health unit. The CDC's global health division also saw drastic cuts that year.
Meanwhile, an anonymous whistleblower at the Department of Health and Human Services has complained that government workers interacting with quarantined Americans were not provided with proper safety gear, and were allowed to come and go from the secure zone freely. Mr Azar has denied the allegations.Meanwhile, an anonymous whistleblower at the Department of Health and Human Services has complained that government workers interacting with quarantined Americans were not provided with proper safety gear, and were allowed to come and go from the secure zone freely. Mr Azar has denied the allegations.
The New York health department has asked 700 people to self-isolate. California's governor said 8,400 people are being monitored by authorities and 33 have tested positive. The New York health department has asked 700 people to self-isolate. California's governor said 8,400 people are being monitored by authorities and at least 33 have tested positive.
What are the main concerns?What are the main concerns?
High medical costs make the virus particularly problematic - many Americans avoid doctor's visits because of unaffordable charges.High medical costs make the virus particularly problematic - many Americans avoid doctor's visits because of unaffordable charges.
Last month, a Florida man with symptoms had a coronavirus test and was handed a $3,270 bill from his insurance company.Last month, a Florida man with symptoms had a coronavirus test and was handed a $3,270 bill from his insurance company.
Taking sick leave is another concern. Not all employers offer paid leave and workplace culture often pushes employees to go to work ill.Taking sick leave is another concern. Not all employers offer paid leave and workplace culture often pushes employees to go to work ill.
This could contribute to the virus spreading, as infected people may not show significant symptoms for up to 14 days.This could contribute to the virus spreading, as infected people may not show significant symptoms for up to 14 days.
What's happening with testing?
By the end of the first week of March, officials expect around 40 public health labs to be able to test for the virus.
The US has 75,000 diagnostic kits currently, Mr Azar told ABC News, with production set to "expand radically". Once these kits go out, over 100 labs should have testing capacity by early March.
The administration has also granted labs permission to develop and use their own diagnostic tests even as they are being reviewed by the national drug agency.
Some 3,600 people have been tested so far.
Due to the limited number of labs able to conduct tests, the CDC had only advised people who have travelled to infected countries or had contact with a known to be sick individual to be screened for the virus.
Critics say this shortage of test and facilities has contributed to the community spread of the virus.
The tests themselves have also had problems. Last month, some health centres noted difficulties using CDC tests. Kits developed at the CDC's lab in Atlanta were contaminated, Axios reported. Officials say the manufacturing issues have since been resolved.
What should you do?What should you do?
You should wash your hands regularly - using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid contact with people who have respiratory illness symptoms and stay away from animals.You should wash your hands regularly - using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid contact with people who have respiratory illness symptoms and stay away from animals.
The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask if you are not sick or taking care of someone who is ill.The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask if you are not sick or taking care of someone who is ill.
It may be useful to ensure you have enough supplies - like extra water, non-perishable food and medicines - in case you need to self-quarantine.It may be useful to ensure you have enough supplies - like extra water, non-perishable food and medicines - in case you need to self-quarantine.
You might want to discuss work-from-home options with your employer and plan for child care if schools need to close.You might want to discuss work-from-home options with your employer and plan for child care if schools need to close.