In public health, we've talked about a pandemic flu for years and years and years. We know it's coming. We know from history and the study of viruses that it is going to happen again. |
It's a completely novel virus. Nobody has ever had it before, so when you come in contact with it, you get sick. |
That is how this thing is spread. In other words, schools might be closed and public gatherings might be stopped. |
There won't be much help from the federal or state level. Local response is going to be critical. |