Hamilton County Public Health is advising residents about what they can do now to prepare for the potential spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

Two people people have been tested for COVID-19 in Iowa as of Wednesday, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health website, but both tested negative for the virus.

“Since the start of this outbreak, Hamilton County Public Health has worked closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health to monitor potential cases of COVID-19,” said Shelby Kroona, Hamilton County Public Health director. “We have and will continue to work with our local, state and national partners to be ready in case the virus does come to Iowa.”

There are things all Hamilton County residents can do to help prevent the spread of all viruses, Kroona said, including influenza and COVID-19:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm or elbow.

• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water.

• Contain germs by staying home when ill.

Kroona said residents should also prepare for the potential of COVID-19 in the same way they prepare for severe weather or other events that could disrupt normal routines. This includes making a plan and discussing it with the family. What would you do if you couldn’t go to work or school because of illness? What if your day care provider was ill? How would you get your groceries if you were ill? Kroona said these are all things to consider.

Symptoms of the COVID-19 in people who have been exposed can include a fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure, Kroona said.