As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, so do fears and misinformation about the virus and its related disease COVID-19. What do we know now about the coronavirus threat and how San Antonio public health officials are working together to address it?
There are 164 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 reported deaths to date in the United States. More than 3,800 people around the world have died from the pneumonia-like illness.
The majority of known cases were contracted person-to-person through contact with individuals who had travelled to highly infected areas, but transmission is now also happening through community spread. The most symptomic patients seem to be older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
To stave off greater widespread infection, several large public events, including Austin’s South by Southwest have been cancelled. There are calls to cancel some events in San Antonio, as well.
How do officials plan for and coordinate a viral outbreak response? Who are the major players? What training and gear is necessary?
What are some theories for how this outbreak will end? Is containment still a viable possibility? What is a realistic timeline for a vaccine?
What steps can people take to remain healthy as this global outbreak continues? What should you know and do to protect yourself and your loved ones?
Guests:
- Dawn Emerick, Ed.D., director of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
- Eric Epley, executive director of the Southwest Regional Advisory Council (STRAC)
- Chief Charles Hood, San Antonio Fire Department
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Tuesday, March 10.
