New Coronavirus Travel Guidance Announced For PA

UPDATE: 2 Coronavirus Cases In PA, Gov. Wolf Says

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania state officials on Thursday announced updated travel guidance amid a worldwide outbreak of the new Coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Anyone who has arrived in Pennsylvania from China or Iran anytime during the outbreaks there will be notified by the state health department they must stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days after travel.

Additionally, anyone who has returned from travel in Italy or South Korea within the past 14 days should stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days. Those residents should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to inform the state health department of their travel, said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine.

Stay up to date on precautions by signing up for Patch emails here.

When 14 days have passed since travel, residents can return to their regular routine, Levine noted.

Anyone returning from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea should self-monitor their health for symptoms like fever, cough, or trouble breathing, Levine said. Those who become sick should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room.

RELATED: These Disinfectant Products Fight Coronavirus, EPA Says

“While we caution Pennsylvanians to avoid all unnecessary travel to and from countries with a CDC level 3 travel advisory at this time, we understand that it cannot all be avoided,” Dr. Levine said. “In that case, we are urging Pennsylvanians to be aware of and follow these guidelines to protect their health and others around them.”

On Thursday, there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. Two were announced Friday.

There are two presumptive positive cases in New Jersey.

According to Pennsylvania health officials, travelers who are self-monitoring their health and practicing social distancing should:

• Take your temperature with a thermometer twice day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
• Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period.
• If you must leave your home, do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
• If you must leave your home, avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to help stop the spread of viruses by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched items.
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.