Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
UMass Memorial Health Care in Worcester has set up a task force to oversee preparations related to the coronavirus outbreak.
The task force is aimed at monitoring the outbreak worldwide, staying current with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates, working closely with the Worcester Department of Public Health and other health officials, and finalizing readiness measures, including distribution of protective equipment.
The task force was created as alarm has grown about the likeliness of coronavirus spreading in the United States.
A CDC alert on Tuesday called spread of the outbreak inevitable in the U.S..
"It's not so much a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe illness," said Dr. Nancy Messionner, the director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
[Related: Coronavirus' financial impact hitting Central Mass.]
The CDC most recently reported 14 confirmed coronavirus cases nationally, with 445 people tested. The World Health Organization has reported 82,000 cases worldwide and more than 2,800 deaths as of Thursday.
UMass first alerted staff in late January to look for potential signs of illness in those who had traveled to China or Southeast Asia. That has since been expanded to those who've traveled to Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea.
The UMass task force, which includes each of the system's hospital campuses in Worcester, Leominster, Marlborough and Clinton, is co-chaired by Gina Smith, the director of emergency management and preparedness, and Dr. Dick Ellison, the hospital epidemiologist.
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments