ATLANTA, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising healthcare providers to be alert for patients who traveled to Wuhan, China and shows signs of fever and respiratory symptoms. There are currently only two cases of the coronavirus in the United States, however, more cases are to be expected.

A detailed medical advisory has been sent out to healthcare providers statewide on how to report, test, and collect specimens, and the healthcare infection control recommendations for potential coronavirus cases.

The CDC says the overall risk of coronavirus to the general public is low, but the best way to prevent infection of any respiratory virus is:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

For more information about coronavirus, log on to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Guidance for travelers can be found at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china.