CINCINNATI, Ohio— As the concern for coronavirus increases, many state and local leaders have gathered to give more information to the public. As the first cases of coronavirus were confirmed earlier this week in Ohio, officials in Cincinnati gathered to go over their emergency response plan as the disease continues to spread.

• Cincinnati officials say it's very possible that coronavirus will be in the city soon
• They urge anyone with symptoms to self quarantine and get tested
• Tests are free and are administered through the Ohio Department of Health

While no cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in southwest Ohio- leaders know it could be just a matter of time until there is.

“There’s a very good chance that it may already be here undetected," Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley said. "And it is better to be preventive than reactive.” 

University of Cincinnati Health officials at the summit say that Coronavirus is spread through the air- by coughing and sneezing. The disease can live on surfaces, but only for a short time. They emphasize covering your mouth, wiping down surfaces constantly, washing your hands and avoiding touching your face and others by shaking hands or hugging.

Many school systems and colleges have even shut down classes in the state. Cincinnati Public Schools has suspended all travel because the virus could be spread so easily throughout a school.

“If they come back sick then they could have the opportunity to infect and entire school building, upwards of 1500 or more kids," Laura Mitchell Surperintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools said.

Health Officials say symptoms of coronavirus include a fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. It’s critical if you have these symptoms to self-quarantine. 

“The vast majority of people will survive coronavirus, but we all have loved ones who are at great risk," Mayor Cranley said. "Senior citizens, folks with respiratory issues, asthma, etc. And so for their sake as well as your own, if you have a fever, if you have shortness of breath stay home.”

Health officials also stressed that about 80% of people that contract coronavirus will only have cold like symptoms. They also stated that the flu is actually more of a threat to our population.