Concerns growing Tonight, the World Health Organization has raised its threat assessment to its highest level as health officials here prepare for the worst of it.

Hello, everybody.

I'm Denise Cote and Ivy Carter.

1/3 Marylander is now being tested for the virus, but there's still no confirmed cases here.

Despite that the virus is spreading and fast around the globe.

There are more than 83,000 cases of Corona virus confirmed in more than 50 different countries.

Most of those cases are in and around China, where the outbreak started.

Double Jay Z's line.

Paul guesser with what state health officials are doing just in case a patient gets the virus here.

Well, Vic right now testing in the U.

S.

Has done down in Atlanta.

But soon Maryland health officials say they're ready to go here for Corona virus testing.

Once the CDC gives him the resource is in the green light.

While Maryland is not had any confirmed Corona virus cases, state health officials say three more people have met the protocol for testing.

Our state is taking every precaution when it comes to the Corona virus because our highest priority is keeping our residents safe.

The governor Thursday said the state is ready to take on the threat.

Hogan says he'll submit a $10 million supplemental to prepare.

We are just using as a precaution because we believe that we're going to need additional money, too, potentially pay for some of the things that we're talking about.

The state Health Department is working with the CDC and local hospitals, has surveillance and clinical guidance protocols in place.

Hogan said businesses should have work from home plans, ready local schools and day cares should be prepared with contingency plans for potential long term closures.

W.

J Z has heard from several local school districts about their preparedness, including Anne Arundel County schools.

A spokesperson there says they have plans for students to learn in virtual classrooms using their online accounts.

Should that be necessary, the Port of Baltimore tells W.

J Z.

Ours will be cut starting Monday at the city's Seagirt Marine terminal due to a reduction in the global supply chain.

Hours at the other five terminals will remain the same.

Health officials stress this is the time to remind people of safe habits.

Wash your hands frequently, cover your coughs.

If you are sick, please don't come to work.

Do not send your Children to school.

Now the health department says influenza is still widespread and active, unlike Corona virus.

Right now, there is obviously a flu vaccine, and it's not too late in the season to get one.

For now.

Reporting live in East Baltimore.

Paul guests for W J Z I Thank you, Paul.

Fears about the Corona virus have rocked financial markets around the world and triggered more sharp declines on Wall Street.

It has been the worst week on Wall Street in more than a decade.

Meantime, House lawmakers on Capitol Hill were briefed by federal health officials behind closed doors this afternoon about the Trump administration's response to the Corona virus.

Democrats want to know more about a whistle blower complaint alleging government workers responding to American evacuees from China lacked training and protective gear.