Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (Feb. 28, 2020) – From Hays County Local Health Department Epidemiologist Eric Schneider:
The new Coronavirus (COVID-19) that originated in China is dominating the media headlines. It’s important to know that Federal, State, and Local Health Departments along with State, City, and County officials have been preparing for cases to show up in the United States and Texas.
It was expected that cases would show up, so this is not a surprise, nor is it an immediate threat to our community. Should we begin to see cases in the general population, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community by using the same healthy behaviors that prevent a Flu outbreak:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or into your flexed elbow. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, wash them immediately.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when your hands are not properly washed.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with normal household cleaning supplies such as bleach wipes and disinfectant sprays.
Currently, there are zero cases of COVID-19 in the general population of Texas, but we are still seeing a surplus of Flu cases. It is not too late to still get a Flu shot if you haven’t already. Contact your healthcare provider or the Hays County Local Health Department at 512-393-5520 if you have any questions about COVID-19. The Texas Department of State Health Services also has detailed information about Coronavirus.