The Coronavirus pandemic has led to school closings, event cancellations and recommendations of reduced travel. The Prince William County Board of Supervisors has made it a priority to provide a response in their dealings of this issue, and today a response was issued via the Prince William County Health District as well as the Office of Emergency Management.

The first presentation was by Dr. Alison Anser, health director for the PWC Health District. Dr. Anser provided and overview of the different types of Coronaviruses. She also provided prevention measures such as emphasizing hand washing as well as use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. In addition, an incident management team has been established to coordinate a response and preparation procedures in case the disease escalates. When it comes to testing for COVID-19, more testing facilities are beginning to appear online, such as LabCorps and Quest Diagnostics.

Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Minser stated that the county is following the organization’s Emergency Operations Plan. Some of the actions within the EOP involve placing COVID-19 informational signs and hygiene stations in buildings that have frequent visitors. They are working with suppliers to get adequate hand cleaning and office cleaning supplies. Call screening procedures in the public safety communications center have been enhanced to respond quickly to the three main symptoms – cough, shortness of breath and fever – by making first responders aware of those symptoms so they can be prepared before encountering the patient.

No reports of PWC schools being closed as of release, but we will keep you informed on any potential changes. How do you think the county is handling the pandemic?