Coronavirus concerns hit home

As illness caused by the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world, with many states throughout the country reporting cases, local awareness continues to grow.

The new strain of coronavirus, dubbed COVID-19, causes a respiratory illness similar to the flu. However, according to the World Health Organization, about one in six people become severely ill and develop problems breathing. Elderly people, as well as those with underlying medical issues like high blood pressure or diabetes are more likely to develop severe symptoms that require medical treatment. More than 100,000 worldwide have been infected by the virus, with more than 4,000 deaths. In the United States, more than 500 people have been reportedly infected by the virus.

The virus has had impacts beyond health, causing stock markets across the planet to decline and forcing governments and corporations to enact measures to limit the virus' spread, including closing public spaces and asking workers to work from home.

In Green River, coronavirus fears have lead to the local Smith's Food and Drug selling out of both tissue paper and hand sanitizing gel. Employees at the store declined to comment, citing corporate policy not allowing employees to speak with media. An email to Kroger, which owns the Smith's chain of stores, was not responded to by press time.

Beyond impacts at the local grocery store, multiple residents have reported concern to the Star about a police officer who recently visited Italy at the same time the virus was spreading within the country. Green River City Administrator Reed Clevenger said an officer was in Italy recently, but was not in a portion of the county impacted by coronavirus. Clevenger said U.S. customs asked the officer only if he had been to China when he returned to the United States. He said the schedule worked out that the officer started back to work Friday, but has been told to call in sick if the slightest symptoms develop.

"We, of course, are not the experts on this topic, but we are keeping track of what is being shared by the CDC in terms of level-three restrictions of travel and proper care for individuals that includes hand washing," Clevenger said.

Clevenger also said the city is looking to incorporate additional measures into its regular cleaning routines due to guidelines and areas of concern the CDC released for employers.

"This will help ensure that we are properly sanitizing city buildings to help prevent the spread of germs," he said.

Increased attention will be given to routinely disinfecting entrance and exit door handles in common areas throughout city buildings, including bathrooms, meeting rooms and building entrances.

Concerns about state legislators potentially being exposed to the virus have also been raised, which has resulted in Gov. Mark Gordon issuing a statement on the situation. Lawmakers attended the Feb. 29 Conservative Political Action Conference, where an attendee later had been diagnosed with coronavirus.

"At this time it does not appear that any members of the Wyoming legislature had contact with this individual. Our state health officer has been notified and has identified these legislators as low risk," Gordon wrote. "She advised that these individuals should continue to monitor their health closely at this time."

The Wyoming Department of Health has recently updated its guidelines as the coronavirus risk continues to grow.

""There are simply some things we don't yet fully know about COVID-19 such as how easily it spreads and how many patients may experience severe illness," Dr. Alexia Harrist, the state's health officer and epidemiologist with the WDS, said. "However, the symptoms reported with this disease are familiar to all of us: fever, cough and shortness of breath."

Dr. Harrist's recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are:

Avoid close contact with sick people.

While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.

Stay home if sick.

Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60 percent alcohol.