Fort Bend County Health & Human Services reports 7 additional cases of COVID-19 in Fort Bend County residents, bringing the county’s total to 19.

The 7 new cases are:

A woman in her 40s with international travel who has moderate symptoms and is in isolation at home

A woman in her 50s with domestic travel to a region with widespread local disease. She has moderate symptoms and is in isolation at home

A man in his 40s with domestic travel and mild to moderate symptoms, He is in isolation at home

A minor child with domestic travel and mild symptoms who is in isolation at home

A man in his 40s with domestic travel and moderate symptoms who is in isolation at home

A woman in her 30s with domestic travel and moderate symptoms who is in isolation at home.

A man in his 30s with moderate symptoms who is recovering in isolation at home.

“Community spread is occurring thoughout the Houston region. Community members need to follow the social distancing ordinances issued by local, regional, and state leaders seriously. They are in place to help keep our most vulnerable residents safe and to minimize the impact on our healthcare system,” said Dr. Minter, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Director and Local Health Authority. “If you are not sick, you do not need to be tested. If you are sick and your symptoms are mild, please stay home and manage your systems as if you would for the flu.”

The public can help:

Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. If you are in good health and have mild illness, stay home, and take care of yourself like you would for the flu. If symptoms worsen, call your doctor. Your doctor will help make the decision whether you should get tested for COVID-19

Practice healthy hygiene habits every day to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Remember to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@FortBendHealth) and check our website for regular updates (fbchealth.org/ncov)

Privacy protection laws only permit the release of limited patient information. The health department is unable to release any additional patient information.

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