County introduces ‘CHAT’ to track coronavirus cases

Midland County Judge Terry Johnson speaks at the joint coronavirus briefing with Midland Memorial Hospital officials, Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Midland County Judge Terry Johnson speaks at the joint coronavirus briefing with Midland Memorial Hospital officials, Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Photo: Mercedes Cordero/Midland Reporter-Telegram Photo: Mercedes Cordero/Midland Reporter-Telegram Image 1 of / 34 Caption Close County introduces ‘CHAT’ to track coronavirus cases 1 / 34 Back to Gallery

Midland County Judge Terry Johnson and Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Bunch announced Thursday a new tool that they believe can help slow the spread of the coronavirus. “CHAT” -- community health assessment tool – is designed to gauge changes in the general health of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of the struggles we have in Midland County and all around the country is determining how many people may have the virus,” Johnson said in a press release. “The limited availability of tests means we are making decisions without the whole picture. We created this system because we need more information from the public.”

Johnson said Thursday he has “engaged” with former Midland City Councilman John James to help with the county’s strategic planning this year and “in doing so this project of mine came out.”

To participate, text the word “CHAT” to the phone number 432-287-7337, according to the release. Then, three questions will be asked to establish baseline information:

1. What is your zip code?

2. What is your age range?

3. Do you have any of the following symptoms: fever, dry cough or shortness of breath? Reply Y or N

Then every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday thereafter, CHAT will send question No. 3 to get an update on how the participant is feeling.

“By viewing the information over time, public policy makers will get a clearer picture of the community’s health by which to make decisions,” the press release stated. “And, because it’s a text, the information is provided anonymously.

“Imagine this scenario,” Bunch said in the press release. “The CHAT trend suggests an increase in symptoms throughout the county. With that simple data point, we know our hospital may see a surge in patients. That surge will mean more beds, PPE and respirators. We just bought time to acquire that equipment and potentially save lives. I am convinced this information will help us save lives.”

“We could have spent a month building an app, weeks building a website hoping that everyone had internet access, or we could build a system based on the fastest and most widely used communication form today. That’s why we chose texting” Johnson said in the press release. “If people participate, and we strongly encourage them to do so, it will help us slow the spread and save lives.”