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KCHD Corona Virus Update: 2 More Home Quarantines, But No Symptoms

picture of Kent County Health Department sign
WGVU

The Kent County Health Department continues to monitor at least 2 people as it relates to the Corona Virus.   To date there are no signs or symptoms of the virus in those quarantined.

Three individuals who were home quarantined to ensure they are free from the 2019 novel coronavirus came out of that quarantine this past weekend.  That news comes from Epidemiologist Brian Hartl, with the Kent County Health Department.

“So, they met their 14-day home quarantine period, so we were able to let them know they were finished over the weekend.”

However, Hartl says there are now 2 more active cases that are home quarantined.  All the cases he says are travel related, most having visiting mainland China, a couple others were on a cruise from Maylasia.

“So, over the past few weeks, we have received additional notifications of other travelers so currently we have a total of nine we’ve done some monitoring for and we have two active individuals who are being monitored.”

Hartl says they stay on top of all the cases, keeping a tab daily on conditions, but no one has reported any symptoms.  If symptoms did develop, the Health Department will then arrange for a medical evaluation.

With no confirmed cases of Corona Virus, Hartl says residents should still be concerned about the flu.  Cases are up and we all should take precaution.

“The flu is what individuals in the United States should be concerned about. It’s never too late to get a flu shot, we always recommend that as the best prevention for influenza. Then washing your hands, we preach that all the time for any type of infection. Avoid touching your face, your eyes, nose and mouth, those are ways the virus can get in to your body. Stay home when you’re sick, stay away from those who are sick.”

Hartl says more information can be found about influenza and the Corona Virus on their website at accesskent.com/Health

Jennifer is an award winning broadcast news journalist with more than two decades of professional television news experience including the nation's fifth largest news market. She's worked as both news reporter and news anchor for television and radio in markets from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo all the way to San Francisco, California.