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City of Myrtle Beach Emergency Management is monitoring the Coronovirus situation closely

The outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, now named COVID-19, began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.  The outbreak continues to spread from person to person in China, with some person-to-person transmissions reported in other countries, including the U.S.  In most instances, cases outside of China have been associated with travelers from China.  Public health authorities learn more every day about this new illness and health threat.  Here are answers to frequently asked questions.   

What is Myrtle Beach’s response? 

The City of Myrtle Beach’s Emergency Management staff is monitoring the coronavirus situation closely and participating in state conference calls with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The CDC and DHEC are mounting an aggressive public health response to identify potential cases early and prevent additional spread where possible.  

While the CDC believes the risk to the American public from COVID-19 remains low at this time, we are making sure that the City of Myrtle Beach is prepared if a case is identified locally or elsewhere in South Carolina.  The city has reviewed its response plans for such a medical emergency and is prepared to act swiftly for the safety of the public and the city’s staff.  

What are the symptoms of this disease?

Coronavirus infection in humans can result in respiratory illness ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as pneumonia.  The symptoms are similar to those caused by other respiratory viruses, such as the flu, and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.  

The virus is spread by direct contact with respiratory droplets that are sneezed or coughed from people who are ill.  At this time, there is no specific treatment for the illness.  Instead, treatment involves supportive care for symptoms.  Efforts are underway to develop a vaccine.  

We are seeing widespread transmission of flu in South Carolina and the U.S.  The risk for exposure to the flu is high, and the risk of complications and deaths from the flu are a far greater public health threat than COVID-19 in the U.S. at this time.   

How is novel coronavirus transmitted, and when will someone get sick if they’re exposed?

Currently, it is thought that the novel coronavirus virus spreads from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).  Based on other coronaviruses, symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed.  

When person-to-person spread occurred with other coronaviruses, such as MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezed or coughed, similar to other respiratory viruses.  That’s why the following preventive steps are highly recommended to prevent accidental transmission of this disease.  Awareness is vital.  

Everyday precautions to take to help avoid getting sick  

  • Get the flu vaccine to help prevent other illness which might weaken your immune system.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick; keep your distance.  
  • Stay home when you are feeling sick.  You don’t want to spread an illness to your co-workers. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a trash.  Use your sleeve to cover a cough or sneeze if no tissues are available. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.  
  • If you are feeling sick with the symptoms previously mentioned, and think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay at home.  
  • Contact your healthcare provider immediately to let them know you may have been exposed and need to be evaluated.

Where can I learn more about COVID-19?  

Information about this new illness is still developing, but be aware of the “infodemic” which often accompanies such a topic.  False information already exists online about the coronavirus, so stick to reliable websites for your information and updates.  Here are several sites to consider.