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Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. We'll post regular updates from NPR and regional news from the WRVO newsroom. You can also find updates on our live blog.

Area hospitals preparing for cases of coronavirus

cdc.gov

Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse is ramping up its emergency protocols, with an eye toward the potential spread of novel coronavirus, which causes a disease called Covid-19. The disease has killed thousands around the world with infections in the U.S. rising.

Upstate's Chief of Infectious Disease Dr. Stephen Thomas says every hospital, including Upstate, already has systems in place to deal with emergencies like the spread of the coronavirus. And as the possibility of an influx of cases increases, Thomas said officials have started fine tuning those protocols.

"We’re looking at our inventory of what we think are key and essential supplies and are beefing that up," said Thomas. "We are looking at how we utilize our space. If you have one or two cases, that’s a lot different than 10 or 20 cases. If there is a case in central New York, how’s the community going to react to that? Are we going to have everyone with a cough or sniffle, coming to the emergency department."

There are still no confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York, but state officials are also preparing to deal with expected cases. 

Thomas said at this point, he has more concern about the flu. "There were almost 300 new cases reported in Onondaga County just last week, and more than 10,000 cases statewide. When it comes to coronavirus, he suggests people simply need to be aware of what’s happening.

"Just having situational awareness, and thinking through those different scenarios, so that when public health authorities, say this is becoming a problem for your area, then you have a plan, you don’t have to panic, you are already prepared for it."

Health officials say the best way to avoid getting the new coronavirus, as with any sickness, is to wash your hands regularly, and avoid people who are sick.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.