Public Safety Prepares for Possible Coronavirus Outbreak

PITTSBURGH, PA (Feb. 27, 2020) – The City of Pittsburgh’s Public Safety Department continues to prepare for a possible outbreak of Coronavirus in the region.

Although no cases have been reported here -- the closest reported U.S. case is in Boston -- Public Safety plans for all possibilities at all times.

As such, Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich began holding regular meetings to address Coronavirus concerns in early January. Those meetings continue.

Public Safety’s readiness plans include updating the city’s 2014 Pandemic operational plan, which has been completed. As part of that update, contingency plans were added to ensure additional EMS personnel and units if necessary.

In addition, First Responders have been trained to identify possible cases of Coronavirus, and to take steps to provide medical care or isolate patients if necessary. As part of that training, First Responders were provided with enhanced personal protection kits that contain face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers and protective eyewear to be worn in the event they encounter someone with the virus.

To achieve operational readiness, the city is checking all EMS vehicles, including ambulances, to ensure they are working properly.

City officials have also reached out to local hospitals and Allegheny County and suburban public safety officials to coordinate preparedness and response plans.

Citizens can do their part in simple ways, most importantly by washing their hands often.

“This is about being prepared,” Director Hissrich said. “While we are pleased that no cases have appeared in this area yet, we will be ready if any cases do appear here. We prepare for any and all types of threats, whether it be flooding concerns, large snowfalls, extreme heat, large gatherings in the city or Presidential and dignitary visits. We always prepare, and we’ll be prepared for this as well.”

For more information on national efforts to address the Coronavirus, go to www.cdc.gov.

 

(First Responder Personal Protection Kits)