CDC Orders 195 American Evacuees Quarantined After Possible Exposure To The Coronavirus

According to the Centers For Disease Control, all 195 American evacuees from Wuhan, China, who were evacuated to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, are now ordered to be under Federal quarantine for a total of 14 days, due to possible exposure of the coronavirus.

This is said to be the first to happen in 50 years–due to the new coronavirus cases that have grown in recent days. The last time the CDC issued a quarantine was in the 1960’s for smallpox, according to NBC News.

Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory DISEASES stated, “ We are preparing as if this were the next pandemic, but we are hopeful that this is not and will not be the case.”

She continued, “ We would rather be remembered for overreacting than underacting. While we recognize this is an unprecedented action, we are facing an unprecedented health threat.

As previously reported, the coronavirus was just declared a public health emergency Thursday (Jan 30) by World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday, ““The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries. “Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems, and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.”

Also–according to USA Today–Delta, American Airlines, and United have all canceled their mainland flights into China, in order to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. 

“Delta, American and United announced they will temporarily cancel all of their mainland China flights in response to the coronavirus outbreak, facing pressure from unions representing airline employees and new warnings from public health officials.”

As previously mentioned, the best way to prevent this virus is to reduce your chances of being exposed. CDC recommends the following:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

1. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Stay home when you are sick.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.