Preparedness for 2019-nCoV (coronavirus)

Hello Houstonians. I am sure that, like many of you, while I hope 2019-nCoV is able to be contained, I would like Houston to be as well-prepared as possible in the event that it is not.

Here are some things I think will help:

• Wash your hands (helps against flu & reduces load on healthcare too)
• Follow the CDC's general current guidelines:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or were in close contact with someone with 2019-nCoV in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

I am also planning to contact my representatives. I am concerned and personally believe this situation should be taken seriously, so I want my representatives to know. Here are some ways you can contact your reps:

Houston

• Mayor Sylvester Turner | Phone: 311 or 713.837.0311 | Twitter @HouMayor
• Houston City Council | Who Is My Council Member?

Here are some online accounts you can interact with:

• @HoustonTX on twitter
• Houston Office of Emergency Management @HoustonOEM on Twitter
• Houston Health Department @HoustonHealth
• longer list

Texas

• Texas Governor's Office | First Lady's Office

USA

• Texas State Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz
• Find your House of House of Representative Representative
• Contact the President, twitter @realDonaldTrump

Others?

the UN? NGOs? Charities? MSF? Red Cross? PeaceCorps? Big & Philanthropic Companies? Maybe Matress Mack would help, perhaps by helping fund equipment for hospital staff or sanitation supplies for the public? Would appreciate suggestions.

Some precautions that I think should be taken at the city level:

• Make sure health care workers are prepared and protected
• Increase health care capacity for treating this disease
• Public health campaign to reduce potential transmission rate. Everyone can wash their hands more. (will help with other illnesses anyway) Suggesting #washyourhands

If you have family or ties in other cities/communities, feel free to publish a similar message to those communities too (substituting the appropriate recommendations and contact info, of course). Solidarity with Wuhan.