Hamilton County commissioners declared a state of emergency today as they prepare for the coronavirus pandemic to spread.

"We want to make sure people understand that this is serious," said Board of Commissioners President Denise Driehaus. "This is a health threat in the community. I believe this is a prudent response at the right time."

This follows the actions of Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, who on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for the city, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who declared a state of emergency for Ohio on Monday.

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The county's state of emergency doesn't give commissioners power to cancel events, said spokeswoman Bridget Doherty.

But it does allow the county to get reimbursement from the federal government on any expenses related to the pandemic. It also allows the county to make purchases without having to go through competitive bidding.

For instance, if the company that provides food to the jail can no longer due so due to coronavirus, the county can find another food vendor without having to bid it out, she said.

The declaration also gives commissioners the power to establish the joint information center, which would serve as a base of operations for emergency responders, if that becomes necessary.

As of now, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Hamilton County. But people could be walking around spreading it and not know they have it, said Greg Kesterman, interim health commissioner for the Hamilton County Public Health.

The health department is monitoring potential cases in Hamilton County but won't say how many.

About 80% of COVID-19 cases involve mild symptoms that mimic a cold. But for the elderly and people with immune deficiencies, the disease can kill.

Kesterman asked anyone who is feeling ill to stay home, no matter how minor the symptoms.

"Even if you think you have the cold, now is the time to take that precaution," Kesterman said. "We don't want you to make other people sick."

Kesterman said the state and county have enough COVID-19 tests to meet demand. There have been 82 tests for COVID-19 statewide with enough tests available now for 600-800 people.

He recommended anyone who suspects they have COVID-19 to contact their primary care physician or, if they don't have a primary care physician, an urgent care facility. He said to contact them first by phone so the medical staff can prepare and safely test without risking getting anyone ill.

The physician will then order a test if needed, he said. The samples are sent to a state lab for testing.

County officials urged the public not to panic. Hamilton County Emergency Management Director Nick Crossley said they're asking people to have two weeks worth of food, medicine and water and not gather in large groups.

"It's all pre-emptive," Crossley said. "We can show you the research that if we don't these large gatherings, we can contain this. We anticipate this being a short time."