Plans are in place for Butler County should the coronavirus reach the region.

According to Butler County officials, the Butler County Department of Emergency Services has had a comprehensive pandemic plan in place since 2007.

The plan addresses potential long-term impacts to residents and businesses and how to deal with a surge of people to medical facilities should a pandemic reach the county.

The plan also has flexibility to evolve with the situation.

County officials said the county's emergency management team maintains regular contact with public health officials, Butler Health System and other health care providers, along with school superintendents and nurses to discuss official updates and coordinate any needed response.

Moniteau School District also sent an email to parents informing them the district is up-to-date on the situation.

“The Moniteau School District administrative team has met with our nurses and the director of facilities to address the concerns should a response be necessary,” said Superintendent Thomas Samosky in the notification.

The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh offered warnings and suggestions for churchgoers. Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburghissued a statement along with a number of shifts in directives that will affect Mass celebration.

These directives include temporarily suspending portions of Mass that could require physical contact between people or shared use of items.

“A Diocesan Bishop is responsible for promoting, regulating and being vigilant over the liturgical life of his diocese,” Zubik said.

“As such, I am instituting precautions that will serve as preventive steps to help our faith community, and the region as a whole, stay healthy,” he said.

According to multiple official sources, the following are points to remember about the coronavirus:- It is an airborne virus spread by humans similar to a flu or cold virus. Close personal contact, coughing, sneezing, touching, shaking hands or touching infected surfaces are all ways it is spread.- Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath and can appear in as few as two days to as long as 14 days.There are preventive measures you can take to better your chances of avoiding the virus or inhibiting the spread of it, including:- Cover any sneezes or coughs with your elbow. Try not to use your hands.- Clean surfaces frequently.- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.- If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better. There is no treatment for the virus, only treatment for symptoms.- Monitor reliable sources for accurate information such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Pennsylvania Department of Health.- If there are confirmed cases in the area, avoid large gatherings.For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19.