City of Greenville officials said they’ve ordered hundreds of protective masks and gowns as they brace for a possible coronavirus outbreak in the Upstate.

“Administrators from police, fire and EMS have been briefed by infectious disease experts and are taking precautions to protect our first responders,” city spokeswoman Beth Brotherton said in a news release on Thursday, March 5. “It is vital to keep employees who respond to emergencies healthy so they can continue to help citizens.”

The protective gear is expected to arrive next week, Brotherton said.

She said officials have also purchased additional disinfectant and hand sanitizer and have ordered custodial staff to intensify cleaning efforts at city-owned facilities.

Meanwhile, city leaders are monitoring possible event cancellations at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and Greenville Convention Center that are expected to bring in large numbers of out-of-town visitors.

“Right now the closest reported cases of coronavirus are in the Atlanta area, but because of the highly contagious nature of the illness and the fact that patients can be infected but not exhibit symptoms, we must monitor continuously and plan accordingly,” City Manager John McDonough said in the release.

McDonough also strongly encouraged city employees who are sick to stay home to avoid the spread of germs.

The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has sickened at least 99 people across 13 states in the U.S., according to the latest CDC count. At least 10 people have died.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control said it was currently monitoring 13 people for the coronavirus. There have been no reported cases of the virus in South Carolina.

Related: Health officials monitoring 13 people in SC for coronavirus

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