Press Release: Councilmember Vincent C. Gray’s Statement on Preparations for Potential Threats of the Coronavirus

News Release — Ward 7 DC Council member Vincent Gray

March 2, 2020

Contact: Takiyah “T.N.” Tate

Washington D.C., – Today, Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) held a Council briefing on preparedness efforts for the potential threats of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in response to recent reports of the virus in the United States. We are pleased to report that there have been no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in D.C. However, a patient in D.C. is awaiting test results for the Coronavirus which has already infected 90,000 people globally, according to the D.C. Department of Health. This is the sixth person tested in the District since the outbreak of the virus in December 2019. Also, over the weekend, the first two U.S. deaths from the virus happened in Washington state. The Center for Disease Control announced the first case of the Coronavirus reported in Washington State, on January 21, 2020.

Currently, nationwide, there are reportedly 80 cases of the virus, including 40 Americans who were aboard a cruise ship detained in Japan. After receiving updates during today’s briefing, Ward 7 Councilmember and Chair of the Health Committee, Vincent C. Gray, released the following statement:

“As part of my oversight of the Department of Health, I have had numerous questions regarding the District’s response to potential threats of the Coronavirus including how we conduct tests and prepare Ward 7 and other District residents for any health risks associated with the spread of this deadly virus.  We are learning more every day and are working to ensure the District’s readiness to respond effectively, while keeping residents informed.  Meanwhile, I want to echo what the experts are telling us:

• Stay home when feeling sick;
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue and immediately discard or cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Call ahead to urgent care or use telemedicine if you think you or someone close to you is infected with COVID-19 so they can prepare an isolation room before your arrival
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects

For updated information you may also visit https://dchealth.dc.gov/coronavirus ,” stated Councilmember and Committee on Health Chair, Vincent C. Gray.

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