As of March 18, 2020, the Hays County Local Health Department has been notified of 5 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.

Four of the patients had recent travel days before their symptoms began, so it is believed that they came into contact with a positive COVID-19 case outside of Texas. One of the newest cases did not have any travel history before becoming ill and did not knowingly come into contact with any other confirmed case, so it is believed that we have community spreading in Hays County.

Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider reminds citizens that most persons who contract the disease will have low to moderate fever, a cough, and congestion, typically treated with over the counter medications as there is no specialized treatment for COVID-19 like there is with Influenza. The majority of persons who contract this disease will not need to seek medical care. Residents with these symptoms should self-quarantine until they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications for 72 hours.

“Residents with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system and persons over 65 tend to be hardest hit by COVID-19 and should consult their health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms, as should persons with high fevers or shortness of breath.

Good hygiene practices are essential:

Prevention Tips:

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day, including between your fingers and underneath your nails. Handwashing is considered the best way to remove germs and dirt, and hand sanitizers should be used only when handwashing is not available. The hand sanitizers should be at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective. Avoid handshaking and high-fives Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose, and mouth Stay home when you feel sick Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then put the tissue in the trash, or use the crook of your elbow if a tissue isn’t available Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe. Clean cell and desk phones, computer keyboards, door handles, and work surfaces often. Face masks are not considered an effective way to prevent someone from catching a virus unless you have close, frequent contact with a sick person; however, they are an option for sick people to use to keep from spreading the virus. Avoid travel to areas that have been designated high-risk areas because of multiple verified cases of Corona Individuals are encouraged to avoid large gatherings. This includes, but is not limited to concerts, plays, sporting events, gymnasiums, dances, and restaurants. Recreation activities that can be practiced in private are encouraged. This virus spreads by person-to-person transmission just like the flu, so limiting human contact can help prevent COVID-19 from spreading.

Judge Becerra reminded residents to rely on qualified information sources for additional information such as www.HaysInformed.com, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and from the Centers for Disease Control which offers information in Spanish and Chinese as well as English.