When coming in contact with the coronavirus, how close is close enough to catch it? Authorities in the U.S. have taken great measures to ensure anyone flying in from China is quarantined upon arrival. Even so, with such drastic measures, officials advise U.S. residents to go about their regular business.
How Close is Too Close to the Coronavirus?
People returning from China on or after February 3 are being asked to stay in quarantine or separate themselves indoors. Further, officials are asking anyone who has been in “close contact” with someone with a confirmed case to “self-quarantine.” What does this mean? “Self-quarantine” is a medical term. Its definition varies by disease. In the case of the coronavirus, droplets from a sneeze or “other bodily secretion” would have to touch you to catch it. The CDC explains the severity of an illness, how it spreads and determines approximately how many people are at risk. They are warning that anyone who has been within 6 feet, for long periods, of someone infected with the virus is at high risk. Local public health departments then interpret this in any way that pertains to their area.
How It Is Affecting the U.S.
The most recent numbers are in the tens of thousands of confirmed cases in China, leaving hundreds dead. However, in the U.S., just a dozen cases have been confirmed. Health officials still believe the risk in the states is low, and they plan to keep it that way. A 34-year-old doctor in China was the first to warn of the deadly virus. After finding several cases of it in the hospital where he worked, the doctor contracted the disease and ultimately died on February 6. While cases can be spread by people not yet showing symptoms, doctors in the U.S. are saying that’s rare. Doctors advise everyone to keep doing what they have been to avoid the usual cold and flu. Similarly, avoid coming in contact with someone who may have recently been exposed to the new coronavirus.
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