Title
Authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings on the City of Philadelphia's preparedness for the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its plans to respond to an outbreak.
Body
WHEREAS, At the start of 2020, China experienced an outbreak of a virus, COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a new virus, previously unexperienced, and belongs to the same disease classification as other highly contagious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Coronavirus presents as coughing, fever, and upper respiratory irritation or distress; and
WHEREAS, Coronavirus spreads through being in proximity to an infected person and inhaling droplets generated when they cough or sneeze or touching a surface where these droplets land and then touching one's face or nose. In short, COVID-19 is considered highly contagious; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the month of January, Coronavirus spread through Asia and first cases developed in Europe and the United States. Governments worldwide have adopted quarantine procedures as residents develop symptoms and return to their home countries with possible exposure. The incubation period for Coronavirus is unknown but estimated to be around ten to fourteen days. Public Health officials have recommended all with possible symptoms to stay home and away from others; and
WHEREAS, At present, COVID-19 is believed to be responsible for nearly 4,000 deaths worldwide. Health officials do not believe a vaccine for the virus will be available for at least twelve to eighteen months. The United States is experiencing the spread of this virus and the first suspected case in Philadelphia was reported this week; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia must be prepared to respond to the inevitable arrival of Coronavirus. The Health Department has created a resource center for the public explaining the symptoms associated with COVID-19 and how to prevent the spread of the virus; and
WHEREAS, The City mu...
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