(TNS) — San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared a state of emergency in the city Tuesday amid heightened concerns of the new coronavirus' spread around the globe.

But why has the city made this declaration when there aren't any confirmed cases among city residents?

In the interview below, Mary Ellen Carroll, executive director of S.F.'s Department of Emergency Management, answers that question. She also addresses many other questions and concerns residents may have as the city prepares for a potential outbreak of the pneumonia-like virus.

WHY HAS THE CITY DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY?

We declared the emergency in order to prepare for what we feel could occur in the future in San Francisco. It is primarily about preparedness. It also allows us to be better poised for financial assistance and reimbursement should that become available.

WHAT ARE YOU PREPARING FOR?

We are following the global situation with coronavirus and we are preparing so that we can respond if there is an outbreak in San Francisco.

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