Because of the recent media reports surrounding 21 Chinese exchange students who were visiting Fairfax County from the province where the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak is centered, we are providing the following information on the situation, as it currently exists:

• The Fairfax County Health Department assessed the risk to the Fairfax community associated with these students as being extremely low. The students who were part of the exchange program had not traveled through Wuhan, China. At this point in time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend any special precautions or any monitoring of people from China who have not been in Wuhan. In an abundance of caution, the students are being monitored daily by the tour leaders and the Fairfax County Public Schools decided to modify the itinerary for the group to eliminate the visit to Longfellow Middle School.
• There are no cases of 2019-nCoV infection that have been identified in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Health Department continues to monitor the situation and is coordinating with our state and local public health and public safety partners to be prepared to take additional public health actions, as necessary, to keep our community safe.
• Based on the information released by CDC on January 24, the current risk of 2019-nCoV infection for the American public is considered low. This is an evolving situation and is constantly being reassessed. 
• During the winter season, other viruses that cause respiratory illness are common. Flu (influenza) activity is currently high in Virginia and in other parts of the country. Other respiratory viruses are also circulating this time of year. It is not too late to get a flu vaccine. Everyone should continue to exercise good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, by covering their coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently, and staying home when sick.
• This novel coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and the most up to date information can be found on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html