Minnesota officials urge public to prepare for arrival of new coronavirus

Officials advise prevention and making backup plans in case of disruptions

Feb 28, 20200

count

People lined up outside a department store in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday to buy face masks to protect themselves from coronavirus.

Minnesota might not have a confirmed case of a novel coronavirus infection today - or even in the days or weeks to come - but state health officials said Thursday that now is the time for people to prepare for the threat.

While state officials dust off pandemic plans, in case the new coronavirus that emerged in China becomes widespread here, they encouraged people to gradually stock up on supplies so they can stay home if sick, and to follow the tried-and-true advice of washing hands, covering coughs, and keeping their hands off their eyes, noses and mouths.

http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-readies-public-to-self-inoculate-against-coronavirus/568254432/