Council President Calls on Mayor to Present Coronavirus Emergency Preparedness Plan

Council President Calls on Mayor to Present Coronavirus Emergency Preparedness Plan

Call Follows Request for Hearing on Baltimore’s Strategic Response to the Virus’ Spread

BALTIMORE, MD (February 26, 2020) — In response to Centers for Disease Control officials warning of possible coronavirus outbreaks in the United States, Council President Brandon M. Scott is calling on the Mayor to hold an emergency preparedness cabinet meeting to update Baltimore residents on the issue.

“While there have been zero confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Baltimore, it is our responsibility to make sure the Mayor’s Office and city agencies are taking the necessary, proactive steps to protect Baltimore’s residents,” said Council President Scott on Wednesday.

“I am calling on the Mayor to hold an emergency preparedness cabinet meeting with the key agencies and to update the residents of Baltimore on the issue. The Baltimore City Council already has a hearing scheduled with the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and the Baltimore City Health Department on their preparedness efforts.” 

Council President Scott continued, “The City Council and I stand ready to work with the administration, as well as our state and federal partners, in any necessary mitigation efforts.”

This call follows a resolution introduced by the Council President at the February 10 City Council Meeting, in which he requested an informational hearing on Baltimore’s strategic response to the Wuhan coronavirus. 

A hearing will take place in the Health Committee, chaired by Councilmember Kristerfer Burnett, on Tuesday, March 17 at 2PM in the “Du” Burns Council Chambers, 100 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, China, and is a severe acute respiratory syndrome. It is currently unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

Symptoms for coronavirus include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. “If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your recent travel or close contact,” says the CDC. 

For more information about coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.