Cape Watches, Prepares as COVID-19 Looms

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COURT HOUSE – News on the advance of the coronavirus changes consistently. The virus, officially COVID-19, has generated over 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide with over 3,411 deaths, as of March 6.  
Just one month ago, there were about 20,000 confirmed cases, and 99% of those were in China. As of March 6, China holds less than 60% of the still-active cases, with active cases in nearly 80 countries. 
Active cases are the number of confirmed cases minus those who died and those who recovered.
New Jersey has joined the states battling the virus, with at least three presumptive cases. The two individuals have tested positive for the virus, but the state Department of Health is waiting for detailed analysis from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 
Local Preparations
In Cape May County, Cape Regional Health System has prepared isolation facilities, should they be needed. All staff who deal with any patient suspected of possible virus contamination will wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Chief Nursing Officer Rosemary Dunn said that the hospital has established protocols for dealing with patients who “present with signs and symptoms which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath” and have been in areas of known infection.
The county Office of Emergency Management has equipment for local law enforcement and first responders if the equipment is needed.
The message from officials is stay informed, be prepared and don’t panic.
The county website lists a series of frequently asked questions. A hotline referenced on the county health department page provides a link to the state poison control and coronavirus information center, where questions about the virus can be answered, but not questions about specific local preparations.
Schools Alerted
Much is evolving as the threat emerges.
The New Jersey Department of Education has instructed school districts to prepare for possible school closings if the virus spreads.  
A March 5 memo stated “schools may be asked to close preemptively or reactively.”
Possible Impact on Tourism
Cape May County Tourism Director and Public Information Official Diane Wieland said that county officials still consider the threat level to county residents as low, but that reassessment is conducted regularly.
One worry is the imminent arrival of the tourist season with its influx of visitors from regional, national and international locations. 
Will Summer Nip Virus?
A hoped for outcome is a downturn in the virus as a result of warmer weather.
Health officials note that influenza and common cold infections, both caused by forms of a coronavirus, drop off significantly in the summer.  
One major reason is that warm, humid air makes it more difficult for respiratory droplets to hang in the air and infect others, interrupting a major pathway for transmission.
However, the CDC cautions that “it is premature” to assume that the number of cases will slow as the weather warms. Experts point to the coronavirus that causes Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) showed no evidence of being seasonal.  
To better identify infected individuals who may put others at risk, the state’s Public Health and Environment Laboratory, in West Trenton, is geared up to test for the virus without the need to send samples to the CDC. Protocols for who should be tested have also been broadened.  
The one drawback is the limited number of test kits, a problem CDC is working to correct.
Federal authorities March 6 conceded that the number of test kits continues to fall below projected need and earlier announced goals. 
In a statement to the BBC, Vice President Pence said, “We still have a ways to go to ensure that tests are available.”
Medicare has this week notified individuals that Part D coverage is available for COVID-19, testing if the test is ordered by a doctor.
The Economic Impact
Along with concern for the health risks caused by the rapidly rising number of cases attributed to COVID-19 is a worry about the impact of the virus on the economy. Countries have begun banning large public gatherings. Companies have lowered annual revenue figures because of supply chain disruption in the global economy. 
Shopping areas in locations where the virus is spreading are virtual ghost towns.  
Flight cancellations, factory slowdowns and roiling stock markets are the most visible economic impacts of the virus, but the long arm of the disease can go deep into the economy.
For a county that heavily depends on tourism, the impact of a spread of the virus and the fear it engenders could be devastating.  
Many county businesses earn most of their annual income during the summer tourist season. 
One Cape May hotelier said 85% of his yearly revenue is earned from Memorial Day to early October.
Wieland said the potential economic impact on the county is a matter of ongoing discussion. 
“It is definitely on our radar,” she said. As of yet, there is lots of concern and few options. 
One member of a municipal governing body, who was not yet ready to be named, said he intends to raise the issue of deferring discretionary purchases until June or July, as a precaution against a slowdown in anticipated revenues that are used to balance the budget each year.  
Municipalities could find themselves losing revenue faster than they can reduce costs.
Much will depend on the willingness of people to travel. The threat may be as much psychological as it is pathologic. Spooked travelers can represent just as real a threat to the region’s tourism-based economy as actual confirmed cases.
For some, this is also an opportunity for mischief. Hoaxes of all types are popping up online. One such said that CDC advised shaving all facial hair, as a preventative step against catching COVID-19.  
Social media platforms are scrambling to take down posts and ban ads that make false claims about the disease.  
What to Do
Public health officials advise those who have flu-like symptoms to contact their health professional by phone and otherwise stay at home.
The CDC urges healthy individuals to not wear face masks.
Rules for conduct include avoiding close contact and large crowds; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue that is then discarded; cleaning and disinfecting heavily touched areas; and most important, washing hand frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds per time.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.