[QUICK FOREWORD: Here's my COVID-19 outbreak update for today. It starts with a smattering of global news, then delves into state by state updates in the US. There is only a limited amount of global news in this post, as there are many state updates today. I will attempt to include more global news in tomorrow’s update. As more cases are diagnosed, it will be more difficult to be fully comprehensive (and I already anticipate that I'm not able to include all pertinent details), so I strongly suggest that you find out which local and state health departments serve your area and look at their dedicated COVID-19 pages for updates and recommendations specific to where you live. I hope this is helpful.]



COVID-19 as of today, 03-07-20 (summary is my own):

[Some Quick Definitions for Commonly Used Terms, skip ‘em if ya know ‘em:

Community Spread – Illness with an unknown source. This typically means that there are more cases in the community that have not been detected. May also be called community acquired or local transmission.

Cumulative Confirmed Case Fatality Rate – The total number of patients who were confirmed to have COVID-19 and died, divided by the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, from the beginning of the outbreak to today.

Patient Under Investigation (PUI) – A person who is showing one or more COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) who has not yet received test results.

Presumptive Positive – The first test back for a PUI is positive, but another test is still needed to confirm this. Confirmed means that two tests have shown that the case is positive.]

The country Malta and French territories French Guiana and Martinique report their first COVID-19 cases. New countries and territories reporting community spread include Iceland, Cameroon, and occupied Palestine territory. The current cumulative confirmed case fatality rate for China is 3.8%, while the rest of the world is at 1.96%. [1, 2]

A health official in British Columbia expresses genuine worry for the people in her area as she announces multiple COVID-19 cases from the Grand Princess cruise ship. She recommends that sick people stay home, and that mass gatherings be converted to virtual gatherings, then taking a moment to collect herself before strongly recommending that individuals avoid cruise ship travel altogether, saying “there is no way to guarantee your safety at this point.” [3]

At 2 am local time in Italy, the government announces that it is restricting movement for about a quarter of its population, or 16 million people, in an attempt to stem its COVID-19 outbreak. It is also banning mass gatherings and funerals for now. Italy announced its first two cases on January 31; as of March 7, it has confirmed at least 5,883 cases. [1, 4]

An Iranian infectious disease specialist announces that up to 40% of Tehran’s population may become infected with COVID-19 by March 20. Iran announced its first two cases on February 19; as of March 7, it has confirmed at least 5,823 cases. [1, 5]

A man in Hobart, the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, ignores his public health department’s request for him to self-isolate while waiting for his COVID-19 test results, instead going to work at a hotel in a densely populated area, visiting two nightclubs and making two visits to a college campus. [6]

In the US, here are states and territories that have updates for today, in alphabetic order:

Arizona announces two new presumptive positive COVID-19 cases, bringing their total count to 5. Both cases were household contacts of an already identified case. Public health officials are investigating both to identify potential contacts. [AZ]

[TWO PARAGRAPHS] California announces 19 new cases; it now has 24 from repatriation flights, 31 travel-related, 19 due to person-to-person contact, 10 from community spread and 4 from unknown sources. The state issues updated guidance to schools, colleges and universities, event organizers and public health officials. Some of the highlights include: event organizers should consider canceling nonessential events primarily for or attended by older adults or those with chronic health conditions in counties with known community spread; if a school has a confirmed COVID-19 case, the appropriate school officials should consult with their local health department on whether it would be a good idea to close the school and for how long; and for college administrators to consider alternates to congregate programming within the campus including any large or communal activities if community spread has been identified in two or more cases in their area. 10,250+ individuals with recent international travel are currently self-monitoring and checking for symptoms. 15 public health labs have capacity to test for COVID-19.

In Los Angeles County, one individual who recently traveled to Washington, DC for the AIPAC conference is confirmed positive for COVID-19. Public health officials are working to identify contacts. In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed announces the following recommendations to limit the spread of COVID-19: first, anyone 60 or older or anyone with a chronic health condition should avoid nonessential gatherings of 50 or more people, should telework if possible and should avoid sick people; second, workplaces should suspend all nonessential employee travel, minimize the number of employees working at arm’s length of each other, ensure that flexible sick leave policies are in place to encourage sick employees to stay home, and consider telework options; third, large gatherings should be postponed or cancelled; fourth, schools should develop plans for what to do if there are citywide closures and should work with the district to determine what to do if there is a confirmed case at their school; fifth, public transit operators should increase cleaning of commonly touched surfaces, such as poles on busses; sixth, long-term care facilities must have a COVID-19 response plan in place and screen all staff and visitors for illness; and seventh, the general public should avoid going to medical settings unless it is essential, should call their healthcare provider before visiting if they are ill, and should cover their cough or sneeze, wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoid touching their face, and instead of shaking hands, bump elbows or wave. [CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CA7]

No additional COVID-19 cases were found in Colorado today; its lab conducted 44 tests. As of today, there are still 8 cases in the state, 5 of which had been exposed during international travel, 1 of which had been exposed either through international travel or out-of-state travel, and 2 for which the source of exposure is still under investigation. [CO]

Delaware’s governor announces two new presumptive positive cases, bringing the state’s total count to 4 (all presumptive). Both cases have recently traveled to areas in the US where outbreaks are present and both are being treated with mild symptoms. [DE]

The District of Columbia announces its first presumptive positive case; this individual does not have a history of international travel. It appears that the patient is at an undisclosed health facility; all infection control procedures are reportedly being followed. [DC]

Florida announces two new presumptive positive COVID-19 cases, bringing their total count to 17, including the 2 deaths reported yesterday. One is in Okaloosa County and the other in Volusia County; both were on a recent river cruise on the Nile River in Egypt. The state health department issues an advisory to all individuals who traveled on this February 2020 cruise, urging them to self-isolate for 14 days following their date of return to the United States. It appears that this may be the same cruise ship that has since spurred 3 cases in Montgomery County, Maryland; 8 in Houston, Texas; and 1 in Taiwan. 12 crew members from this ship subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 in Egypt, on the last day of their 14-day quarantine period, officials report. None of the crew members have shown any symptoms. [FL1, FL2, FL3, FL4]

Georgia announces two new confirmed cases and one new presumptive positive COVID-19 case, bringing their total count to 6. 3 are in Fulton County, 1 in Polk County, 1 in Cobb County and the presumptive positive case is in Gwinnett County. The new confirmed case in Cobb County and the new presumptive positive case in Gwinnett County had recently traveled to Italy and are self-isolated at home. The source of exposure for the new confirmed case in Fulton County is under investigation; this case is hospitalized. [GA1, GA2]

Hawaii announced its first presumptive positive case last night. The case was exposed on the Grand Princess cruise ship. It is not clear whether the case is hospitalized or self-isolated at home. [HI]

Illinois announces one new presumptive positive case, bringing their total count to 6 (4 confirmed and 2 presumptive). This individual was exposed on the Grand Princess and came back to Chicago on February 24; cases were not first announced from the ship until three days ago. She is hospitalized in stable condition; it’s unclear when she was first hospitalized and whether she has been isolated throughout the duration of her hospitalization. She was an employee at a Portage Park occupational high school that will be closed throughout the next week. [IL1, IL2]

Iowa’s governor announces a partial activation of the state’s emergency operations center to prepare for COVID-19 cases; at this time, no cases have been identified in Iowa. [IA]

Kansas announces its first presumptive positive case. The case appears to have been exposed while traveling in the northeastern US and is self-isolated at home. Officials are working to identify her contacts. [KS]

Louisiana’s Department of Public Health states that it has tested 8 people so far; all tests have come back negative. [LA]

Massachusetts announces five new presumptive positive cases, bringing their total count to 13 (1 confirmed and 12 presumptive). 3 of these new cases were exposed at a Biogen employee conference in Boston last week, 1 had recent travel to northern Italy, and the source of exposure for 1 is still under investigation. There were 175 attendees at the Biogen conference; each one has been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days and check for symptoms. There have been 8 cases associated with this meeting so far; employees who attended it are in Boston, MA; Research Triangle Park, NC; and Baar, Switzerland. [MA1, MA2, MA3]

Missouri announces its first confirmed COVID-19 case in St. Louis County. The case is self-isolated and recovering at home; she went to Mercy Hospital complaining of a fever and shortness of breath yesterday. Officials say she was kept away from other patients and was not sick enough to be hospitalized. [MO]

Nebraska announces its first COVID-19 case (it’s unclear whether it is presumptive or confirmed). This individual recently traveled to the UK and is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Public health officials state that the group at highest risk includes healthcare providers who saw this patient before the risk of COVID-19 was identified and she was isolated. The case had attended a Special Olympics event at the Fremont Family YMCA on February 29; officials are asking for basketball players, coaches, and team staff who participated to self-quarantine until March 14 and check themselves for symptoms. They state that spectators and other people who were in different rooms at this YMCA are at lower risk of exposure and can self-monitor until March 14 but do not need to self-quarantine. The case also spent time at VFW Post 2503 in Omaha for an hour on the evening of March 4; the risk of exposure at that location is thought to be low so contacts from that exposure are also just being asked to self-monitor until March 18 but not to self-quarantine. [NE1, NE2]

New Hampshire announces two new presumptive positive cases, bringing their total count to 4. One of the cases had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case at the Hope Bible Fellowship in West Lebanon, and the other had recently traveled to Italy. [NH]

One of New Jersey’s recent cases has been confirmed to have been a recent attendee at the Conservative Political Action Conference, which President Trump and Vice President Pence also attended. The American Conservative Union (ACU), who puts on the conference, states that the patient was never in direct contact with either of them. However, an ACU chairman states that he was in direct contact with the patient and then shook Trump’s hand on stage on the last day of the conference. [NJ]

In two separate press briefings, New York’s governor confirms 45 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total count to 89. There are now 70 cases in Westchester, 11 in New York City, 4 in Nassau, 2 in Rockland, and 2 in Saratoga. The governor announces a state of emergency, which allows the state to get needed supplies faster such as cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, testing supplies and equipment; allow qualified professionals other than doctors and nurses to conduct testing; hire needed personnel more quickly; lease more lab space; allow first responders to transport patients to quarantine locations other than hospitals; and protect the public from price gouging. Governor Cuomo states: “There are going to be more cases because we are testing more people - that's a good thing because then we can deal with the situation based on more facts. We know about 80 percent of those infected will self-resolve. The best way to calm anxieties is to demonstrate absolute government competence, and that's exactly what we're doing.” [NY1, NY2]

Oklahoma announced its first case last night in Tulsa County; this case recently traveled to Italy. It is not immediately clear whether this case is hospitalized or self-isolated. [OK]

Oregon announces four new presumptive positive cases, bringing their total count to 7 (6 presumptive and 1 confirmed). The four new cases are in Jackson, Klamath and Washington Counties. Three of the cases are travel-related, and one is a contact of a known case. [OR1, OR2]

Pennsylvania announces two new presumptive positive cases, bringing their total count to 4 (all presumptive). Both of the two new cases had traveled to an area in the US with an active COVID-19 outbreak and are self-isolated at home. The governor announces a package that will allow the state to better support county and municipal health departments; obtain necessary equipment, personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE); support care for seniors, who they deem their most at-risk population; and spread public health messaging on how best to prevent the disease’s spread. [PA]

[TWO PARAGRAPHS] Rhode Island urges its residents to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19: first, they urge people who have traveled internationally or traveled anywhere in the US overnight to self-monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days; second, they request for people returning from China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, or Japan to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return – and remind residents of the governor’s directive passed on March 5 that requires state employees not to come to work if they have traveled to any of these countries; third, to avoid close personal contact with people in public and avoid handshakes and hugs when greeting people; and fourth, for those over 60 years old to avoid sick people, have a supply of over-the-counter medicines for fever and other symptoms handy, and call their doctor if they start developing symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

At the CDC’s guidance, nursing facilities in Rhode Island are restricting visitor hours; not allowing visits from those under 18, those who are sick, or those who have traveled internationally in the past 14 days; actively screening those entering nursing homes for illness; and only allowing residents to leave for essential medical appointments so that they do not get exposed and bring COVID-19 back into a nursing home. [RI]

Last night, Texas confirmed 8 positive COVID-19 cases in the Houston area. All 8 cases were on a recent river cruise on the Nile River. [FL3, FL4, TX]

Vermont announces its first presumptive positive case, who is currently hospitalized and in an airborne infection isolation room. Public health officials will give a press briefing tomorrow morning to announce more details on the case. [VT]

Virginia announces its first COVID-19 case (unclear if it’s presumptive or confirmed) in a US Marine at Fort Belvoir. They did not announce the case’s source of exposure or whether the individual is self-isolating at home or in a hospital. [VA]

Washington is now announcing 23 new cases, bringing its total count to 102; 16 of these have died. 71 cases are in King County, 27 in Snohomish County, and 1 each in Grant, Jefferson, Pierce and Clark counties. King County reminds residents that as commercial laboratories are coming up to speed, the testing criteria now captures all individuals whose doctor decides that they should be tested for COVID-19. [WA1, WA2]

West Virginia announces that it can now test for COVID-19 at its state public health lab. As of today, there are no known cases in the state; 5 patients were tested today, with 2 negative and 3 pending. [WV]

[1] Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Map

https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

[2] WHO COVID-19 Situation Report, 03-07-20

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200307-sitrep-47-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=27c364a4_2

[3] Coronavirus outbreak: B.C. health officials provide COVID-19 update on 6 new cases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoWSd0eaQP8

[4] Italy Locks Down Much of the Country’s North Over the Coronavirus

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/07/world/europe/coronavirus-italy.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

[5] 40% of Tehran population to contract COVID-19: Expert

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-coronavirus-outbreak/40-of-tehran-population-to-contract-covid-19-expert/1757628

[6] Hobart man with coronavirus went clubbing at Obar and Cargo

https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/hobart-man-with-coronavirus-went-clubbing-at-obar-and-cargo/news-story/19cb24117687f745c8bd3058058fa8bb

[AZ] Public Health Confirms Two Additional Presumptive Positive Cases of COVID-19 in Pinal County

https://www.azdhs.gov/director/public-information-office/index.php#news-release-030720

[CA1] Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3NRtTwAD6j-F6sjRJ02vLXp4ySWiNGhZQP0djRMVSPGPCBts5ScIj71ao

[CA2] California Releases Updated Guidance for Schools, Colleges & Large Public Events to Prepare and Protect Californians from COVID-19​

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR20-014.aspx

[CA3] Mass Gatherings Guidance on Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/CDPH%20Guidance%20for%20Mass%20Gatherings%20and%20Large%20Community%20Events_ADA%20Compliant.pdf

[CA4] School Guidance on Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/School%20Guidance_ADA%20Compliant_FINAL.pdf

[CA5] Higher Education Guidance on Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/CDPH%20Higher%20Education%20Guidance_ADA%20Compliant_FINAL.pdf

[CA6] 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisory - One New Case of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=2256

[CA7] San Francisco Department of Public Health Announces Aggressive Recommendations to Reduce the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

https://sfmayor.org/article/san-francisco-department-public-health-announces-aggressive-recommendations-reduce-spread

[CO] No additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 identified in Colorado today

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/news/no-additional-presumptive-positive-cases-covid-19-identified-colorado-today-0

[DC] DC Department of Health Confirms First Coronavirus Case

https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/dc-department-health-confirms-first-coronavirus-case

[DE] 2 Montgomery County residents test presumptive positive for COVID-19, bringing state total to 4

https://6abc.com/5993654/

[FL1] Department of Health Announces Two New Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases in Florida

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2020/03/030720-department-of-health-announces-two-new-presumptive-positive-covid19-cases-florida.pr.html

[FL2] 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/

[FL3] Department of Health Advises Individuals Who Traveled on Nile River Cruise to Self-Isolate for 14 Days From the Date of Return

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2020/03/030720-department-of-health-advises-individuals-who-traveled-on-nile-river-cruise-to-selfisolate-14-days-from-date-return.pr.html

[FL4] New coronavirus cluster, including 3 from Md., linked to Nile River cruise ship popular with tourists

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/new-coronavirus-cluster-linked-to-nile-river-cruise-ship-popular-with-tourists/2020/03/06/33c79b24-5fae-11ea-ac50-18701e14e06d_story.html

[GA1] New Cases of COVID-19 Identified in Georgia

https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-03-07/new-cases-covid-19-identified-georgia

[GA2] COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus

[HI] Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/advisories/novel-coronavirus-2019/?fbclid=IwAR0g7kmgzSKLu0TF1G68NeSQzGR0rlwNrTkTtPQVhXNBLLMdULzO2M2pVx4

[IA] Iowa governor takes precautions against COVID-19 outbreak

https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-governor-takes-precautions-against-covid-19-outbreak/31270292

[IL1] Mayor Lightfoot, Governor Pritzker, Public Health and Chicago Public Schools Officials Announce New Presumptive Positive Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/mayor-lightfoot-governor-pritzker-public-health-and-chicago-public-schools-officials-announce

[IL2] COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus

[KS] The First Case of Coronavirus In Kansas Is Confirmed In Johnson County

https://www.kcur.org/post/first-case-coronavirus-kansas-confirmed-johnson-county#stream/0

[LA] Louisiana Department of Public Health tweet, 12:43 pm, 03-07-20

https://twitter.com/LADeptHealth/status/1236392064432181252

[MA1] Five New Presumptive Positive Cases of COVID-19 Identified by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory

https://www.mass.gov/news/five-new-presumptive-positive-cases-of-covid-19-identified-by-massachusetts-state-public-0

[MA2] COVID-19 Cases in Massachusetts

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring

[MA3] Top Biogen execs were present at meeting where attendees had Covid-19

https://www.statnews.com/2020/03/06/biogen-workers-test-positive-for-coronavirus-transmission-linked-to-leadership-meeting/

[MO] First Missouri coronavirus case confirmed in St. Louis County

https://www.kmov.com/news/first-missouri-covid--case-confirmed-in-st-louis-county/article_039df6e6-60d5-11ea-b21c-73e9e9f251b7.html

[NE1] Updates On Nebraska’s First Case Of Coronavirus Disease 2019

http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Updates-on-Nebraska%E2%80%99s-First-Case-of-Coronavirus-Disease-2019.aspx

[NE2] Voluntary Quarantine Requested Of Special Olympics Basketball Tournament Participants To Prevent Potential Spread For Coronavirus Disease 2019

http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Voluntary-Quarantine-Requested-of-Special-Olympics-Basketball-Tournament-Participants-and-Attendees.aspx

[NH] Two new presumptive positive cases of Covid-19 in New Hampshire

https://www.wmur.com/article/two-new-presumptive-positive-cases-of-covid-19-in-new-hampshire/31271538

[NJ] CPAC attendee tests positive for coronavirus

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/486457-cpac-attendee-tests-positive-for-coronavirus

[NY1] At Novel Coronavirus Briefing, Governor Cuomo Declares State of Emergency to Contain Spread of Virus

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/novel-coronavirus-briefing-governor-cuomo-declares-state-emergency-contain-spread-virus

[NY2] Governor Cuomo Confirms 13 Additional Coronaviruses Cases In New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 89

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-confirms-13-additional-coronaviruses-cases-new-york-state-bringing-statewide

[OK] Tulsa Health Department Reports First Case of COVID-19

https://www.tulsa-health.org/news/tulsa-health-department-reports-first-case-covid-19

[OR1] Four new coronavirus cases confirmed in Oregon

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/four-new-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-oregon.aspx

[OR2] Novel Coronavirus Updates (COVID-19): Situation in Oregon

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx

[PA] Gov. Wolf Announces Two New Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Cases, Legislative Action to Aid in Swift Response

https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Health-Details.aspx?newsid=729

[RI] All Rhode Islanders Urged to Take COVID-19 Prevention Measures

https://www.ri.gov/press/view/37863

[TX] Officials confirm 8 cases of coronavirus in Houston area

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/coronavirus-outbreak-fort-bend-harris-county-15109743.php

[VA] First Virginia Case of COVID-19 Confirmed at Fort Belvoir

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/2020-news-releases/first-virginia-case-of-covid-19-confirmed-at-fort-belvoir/

[VT] Vermont Announces First Presumptive Case of New Coronavirus COVID-19

https://www.healthvermont.gov/media/newsroom/vermont-announces-first-presumptive-case-new-coronavirus-covid-19-march-7-2020

[WA1] 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR1gRRR3DEWyfsD3ZNt353IR2V0fSb5jpS-HEq46UmykfGtVT8WP99n7wdo

[WA2] Update: King County COVID-19 case numbers for March 7, 2020

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/news/2020/March/7-covid-19-case-updates.aspx

[WV] West Virginia State Lab Now Able to Conduct Tests for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

https://dhhr.wv.gov/News/Pages/West-Virginia-State-Lab-Now-Able-to-Conduct-Tests-for-Coronavirus-Disease-2019-(COVID-19).aspx