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Notice Regarding Potential Transmission of COVID-19 11-17-20

Notice Regarding Potential Transmission of
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The Secretary of Health is directing persons who attended an event or gathering at
Purchase Line Highschool Auditorium 16559 Route 286 Hwy E Commodore, PA 15729,
to follow the disease control measures consisting of the self-monitoring activities
included in this Order. Anyone who was present at Purchase Line Highschool Play
between the hours of 7:00-9:00 pm on the following dates: 11/13/2020 may have been
exposed to COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a threat to the public’s health, for which the Secretary of Health
may order general control measures. This authority is granted to the Secretary of Health
pursuant to Pennsylvania law. See Section 5 of the Disease Prevention and Control Law
(the Act), 35 P.S. § 521.5; sections 2102(a) and 2106 of the Administrative Code of 1929,
71 P.S. §§ 532(a), and 536; and the Department of Health’s (Department’s) regulations at
28 Pa. Code §§ 27.60-27.68 (relating to disease control measures; isolation; quarantine;
movement of persons subject to isolation or quarantine; and release from isolation and
quarantine). Particularly, the Department has the authority to take any disease control
measure appropriate to protect the public from the spread of infectious disease. See 35
P.S. § 521.5; 71 P.S. § 532(a), and 1403(a); 28 Pa. Code § 27.60.

The Department has the authority to direct any disease control measure, in
addition to isolation and quarantine, that the Department considers to be appropriate for
the surveillance of disease, when the disease control measure is necessary to protect the
public from the spread of infectious agents. The Department has the latitude to determine
the appropriate disease control measure based upon the disease or infection, the patient's
circumstances, and any other available information relating to the patient and the disease
or infection. COVID-19 is a disease that is capable of rapidly spreading person-to-
person. People infected are capable of exposing others to COVID-19 even if their
symptoms are mild, such as a cough, or even if they are asymptomatic. Additionally,
exposure is possible by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then
touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, cough,
shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fatigue,
congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and new loss of taste or smell.
Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk
for serious illness.

The persons subject to this Order are directed to take the following disease control
measures for the 14-day period following the date of their last attendance at the gathering
referenced above:

1. Take your temperature once daily.
 
2. Watch for other symptoms of COVID-19 [including fever (a body
temperature of 100.40
F/380C or higher), cough, shortness of breath,
chills, repeated shaking, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fatigue,
congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and new loss of
taste or smell.

3. Immediately report any of symptoms requiring medical attention to the
Department if they develop (see number below), and contact your health
care provider, but make sure to tell them you might have been exposed to
COVID-19.

4. Wear a mask and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from any
person while outside the home.

5. Practice the following hygiene measures:
a. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
b. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not
available.
c. Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, do not use your
hands.
d. Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches,
cell phones, and other frequently touched items.
 
6. Be aware of any persons in your home who may be particularly likely to
get COVID-19, including those who are elderly, or who are
immunocompromised, for example, someone who has cancer and is taking
chemotherapy, or who may have another condition or illness, like diabetes
or asthma. Be careful to practice social distancing around those persons.
If you or any members of your family develops symptoms of COVID-19 (fever,
coughing, difficulty breathing and other lower respiratory illnesses), or symptoms
worsen, they should notify the Department immediately at 1-877-724-3258 and contact
their health care provider. Before seeking medical attention for themselves or their
families, they should let their health care provider know that they may have been exposed
to a case of COVID-19.

Persons subject to this directive shall immediately adhere to this directive and all
disease control measures included within it. Persons who fail to follow these measures
may be subject to a fine under the Act.
The Department is concerned about the health and well-being of you, your family
and the general public during this outbreak. We understand that this is a difficult time,
and that some individuals may need additional support during this period. Please reach
out to us if you or your family need assistance by contacting the Department at 1-877-
724-3258.
 

Sincerely,
________________________________
Rachel Levine, MD
Secretary of Health