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Providers at Trinity Health are monitoring developments surrounding COVID-19 – a strain of coronavirus.

Infectious Disease Specialist Casmiar Nwaigwe, MD, says although no cases have been confirmed in North Dakota, it’s likely to be just a matter of time before the disease enters our borders.

Trinity Health is working closely with the North Dakota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in preparing for a potential outbreak. For example, more attention is being given to travel histories of patients seeking care, and people who think they may have been exposed to the virus will be advised on what to do.

“We’re telling patients if you suspect you have been exposed, don’t go to the doctor’s office, call in,” Dr. Nwaigwe said. “We don’t want people going to the walk-in clinic, for example, because that puts others at risk.”

The CDC says the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Preventive actions including:

• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

For more information, people may visit the CDC website at cdc.gov.