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As the coronavirus continues to spread across the state and country, the El Paso Times wants to keep readers updated on the latest news in the community and Texas.

Here's what to know about COVID-19.

Closures and cancellations in El Paso

El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center Closes

6:07 p.m. March 16: The museum will be closed until March 31 and postponing its "UnSilenced" Speak Out event on March 26.

City of El Paso announces daycare, pre-school closures

1:27 p.m. March 16: The city of El Paso on Monday announced it was closing daycare and pre-school programs at Galatzan and Veterans Recreation Center starting March 18.

"The City understands that this presents a challenge to families, and has partnered with the YWCA Paso del Norte Region to provide service to affected families who wish to keep their children enrolled in early learning programs," a news release states.

To find a YWCA in your neighborhood, visit www.ywcaelpaso.org or call (915) 519-0000.

Catholic Diocese of El Paso schools closed

1:04 p.m. March 16: Catholic Diocese of El Paso schools will be closed until April 6. The decision comes after the El Paso Department of Public Health announced that school districts are directed to be closed to students until April 6.

Burrell College moves student courses online

1:02 p.m. March 16: The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces will conduct all medical student education courses virtually via live streaming and archived video starting March 30.

"All in-person laboratory sessions, such as anatomy labs and standardized patient labs, have been cancelled until further notice and any needed exams will be delivered online using remote testing services," A news release states. "Clinical rotations will continue uninterrupted or accommodated specific to the rotation location."

Updates are available at bcomnm.org/covid19.

Detention officer class 20-1 graduation ceremony canceled

10:10 a.m. March 16: The El Paso County Sheriff's office on Monday announced that the graduation ceremony for the detention officer class 20-1 has been canceled. The ceremony was scheduled for March 20.

State Rep. Joe Moody asks staff to work remotely

9:41 a.m. March 16: El Paso State Rep. Joe Moody is asking his staff in El Paso and D.C. to work from home, according to a Monday email.

"We'll still be available, accessible, and working hard for you; we just won't be in the office," the email states.

El Paso El Paso Psychic Fair canceled

5:24 p.m. March 15: The El Paso Psychic Fair scheduled for March 21 and 22 has been canceled.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino closes for three weeks

5:22 p.m. March 15: Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino announced Sunday that the facility will be closed for three weeks starting March 16 at 1 a.m.

“Although there have been no known cases of the COVID-19 at the property, we are suspending operations out of an abundance of caution and to promote social distancing,” said Director of Marketing for Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, Ethan Linder in a statement.

A news release states that the upcoming Sunland Derby and Sunland Park Oaks horse races will not happen next weekend as scheduled.

More: Sunland Derby called off, racing canceled moving forward over coronavirus concerns

Workforce Solutions Borderplex delays start Monday

11:07 a.m. March 15: Workforce Solutions Borderplex is opening its job centers on a delayed start at 10:00 a.m. on March 16 in response to the coronavirus, so staffers can prepare the workplace.

El Paso Department of Health directs schools to close through April 3

9 p.m. March 14: The city health department issued a memo Saturday night directing schools to close through April 3, with students returning April 6.

As of Friday evening, the Clint, San Elizario, Tornillo and Anthony school districts said they were complying with the directive. The Socorro district had already closed to students until April 3.

Districts are on their official spring break from March 16-20.

It remains to be seen whether students will be required to complete school work during the March 23-April 3 closures.

TobyMac Hits Deep 2020 Tour postponed

8:23 a.m. March 14: TobyMac is postponing the remainder of his Hits Deep tour, including a March 27 show in El Paso at UTEP's Don Haskins Center.

City of Socorro suspends municipal courts, youth and senior programming

8:18 a.m. March 14: The city of Socorro announced late Friday it was suspending courts held at the Socorro Municipal Courthouse as well as youth and senior programming.

The city will stay in touch with local, state and federal leaders to monitor COVID-19 and is holding a press conference March 16 at 2 p.m. at council chambers for a community update, a news release states.

San Elizario ISD extends spring break through March 27

9:30 p.m. March 13: San Elizario ISD was the last of the El Paso area public school districts to announce its spring break will run through March 27 to give it time to monitor, prepare and communicate accordingly.

Tornillo ISD extends spring break through March 27

7:30 p.m. March 13: Tornillo ISD has extended spring break by a week, through March 27. Students are tentatively scheduled to return March 30.

MLB Pitch Hit & Run and Jr. Home run derby competitions canceled

The Parks and Recreation Department on Friday evening announced it was canceling the 2020 MLB Pitch Hit & Run and Jr. Home run derby competitions. The events were set for March 28, according to a tweet from the department.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar announces operation changes to El Paso, D.C. offices

6:00 p.m. March 13: El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar said starting March 16, all staff members in the D.C. office will begin teleworking.

Her office in El Paso will remain open where staff members will keep responding to calls, helping with casework and correspondence. Visitors to the office who show symptoms of a respiratory illness will be asked to reschedule meetings.

Escobar is scheduled to meet with community leaders and experts and hold a telephone town hall meeting for constituents on March 18 at 10 a.m.

TTUHSC-EP transitions to online learning starting March 23

5:45 p.m. March 13: Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso will be closed March 16. Classes will continue through March 22, at which point they will switch to distance and online learning starting March 23.

UTEP transitions to online learning starting March 30

5:30 p.m. March 13: UTEP extended spring break for students through March 29. Classes will resume March 30 and will be delivered remotely when possible.

Ysleta, Anthony, Clint and Fabens ISDs extend spring break by additional week

5:30 p.m. March 13: YISD, Anthony ISD, Clint ISD and Fabens ISD have extended their spring break for students through March 27, with a tentative student return March 30.

Information about meal services during the additional week off can be found on their websites.

Dwight Yoakam postpones Saturday show

5:30 p.m. March 13: The legendary country music star has postponed his Saturday show at the Abraham Chavez Theatre over concerns of coronavirus.

"The priority at this time has to be the health and wellbeing of the fans, the venue’s staffs, and the band and crew who tour with me," Yoakam said on Twitter. "I regret not being able to perform the shows, but that is obviously of minor concern to all of us right now. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone being affected by this pandemic."

Previously purchased tickets will be honored at the rescheduled shows. More information on when the shows will be rescheduled will announced later.

Events at El Paso County Coliseum postponed indefinitely

5:20 p.m. March 13: The El Paso County Coliseum is postponing all events on the coliseum’s grounds. All activity is suspended Sunday at midnight, according to a news release.

The coliseum’s box office will have more information on rescheduled events as it becomes available. Those needing more information can monitor the coliseum’s Facebook page for updates. The box office can be reached at 915-533-9899.

Socorro and Canutillo ISDs extend spring break

4:44 p.m. March 13: The Socorro Independent School District has extended its spring intersession break by two weeks through April 3. Classes resume April 6.

Canutillo ISD said some campuses will be open during its extended week of break, from March 23-27, to offer pick-up meals for students. A schedule of locations and times will be released next week. The district is scheduled to return March 30.

SISD said meals would also be made available during the extended intersession break, with details to be released in the coming days.

El Paso Community College transitions to online classes

3 p.m. March 13: EPCC classes from March 23-29 will be canceled and starting March 30, they will resume online. The college is on spring break from March 16-22.

Classes that can't be done online will be handled on a case-by-case basis, a news release states.

915 BeerFest postponed

3:36 p.m. March 13: 915 BeerFest is being postponed. The festival was scheduled for March 28 and will be posted for a date yet to be determined.

UTEP Dinner Theatre postpones Titanic production

2:52 p.m. March 13: The University of Texas- El Paso's Dinner Theatre is postponing its production of TITANIC-The Musical. Performances were scheduled for April 19 through May 3. Now, performances will be July 10 through 26.

Visitation suspended at El Paso County detention facilities

2:25 p.m. March 13: On-site visitation for inmates housed at Downtown Detention Facility or the Jail Annex Facility in El Paso County has been suspended until further notices.

"The suspension is in effect until terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the disaster declaration is lifted or expires," a news release states.

Sunland Derby will be held without spectators

1:55 p.m. March 13: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino announced that the the 17th annual Sunland Derby and the Sunland Parks Oaks will happen as scheduled on March 22, but spectators will not be in attendance.

"Sunland Park is restricting access to all racetrack viewing areas, including the grandstands, Franklin’s Lounge, the Turf Club, and trackside viewing," a news release states. "Live simulcasting of other races will also be closed for the foreseeable future."

The casino, hotel and restaurant at Sunland Park will remain open.

Mass still scheduled for Diocese of Las Cruces

1:30 p.m. March 13: Catholics in the Diocese of Las Cruces are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, but mass will continue to be held as regularly scheduled, according to a news release.

"The Diocese encourages the faithful to stay home if they are ill, elderly or if they have compromised immune systems," the diocese said in a statement. "People with infants and young children are also advised to avoid large gatherings, as are those who may be fearful of possible contagion for themselves and/or their families."

The diocese encouraged those not attending to find the service on T.V., the radio or online.

"In addition, the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Las Cruces will follow the statewide school closure," the news release states. "The closure will take effect on March 16, and students will be allowed to return to school on Monday, April 6."

Several commuity meetings canceled

11:45 a.m. March 13: The city of El Paso has canceled several community meetings that were scheduled for the coming week. They are:

Hawkins Boulevard Street Reconstruction Preconstruction Community Meeting (March 16 at 6 p.m.)

Pavo Real Recreation Center Improvements (March 16 at 6 p.m.)

Dorris Van Doren Library Improvements (March 17 at 6 p.m.)

Chelsea Pocket Park Community Meeting (March 18, 6 p.m.)

Chris Janson Concert Rescheduled

The Chris Janson concert scheduled for March 14 has been rescheduled for Sept. 4. Tickets for the March concert date will be honored for the September show, according to a news release. Those seeking more information can visit www.innofthemountaingods.com or call 1-800-545-9011.

Baby Shark Live! postponed

11:40 a.m. March 13: Baby Shark Live! has been postponed. The show was set to be April 9th at Abraham Chavez Theatre.

Poppies Fest canceled

9:45 a.m. March 13: The 14th annual Poppies Fest has been canceled.

Vendors and exhibitors who paid registration fees can call Itzel Barraza at 915-212-0421.

Cirque du Soleil cancels remaining shows

9:40 a.m. March 13: Cirque du Soleil canceled all remaining performances of OVO.

Several thousand attended the opening night Thursday. However, performances were supposed to continue today through Sunday at the Don Haskins Center.

Ticket buyers can get a refund at the original point of purchase. Ticket buyers who bought their tickets through Ticketmaster will be issued an automatic refund onto the credit card used to purchase their tickets. No further action is required.

For more information: 877-924-7783.

Municipal court trials suspended

9:37 a.m. March 13: All municipal court jury trials scheduled for March 26 and 27 have been canceled.

All including juvenile case management classes, youth delinquency prevention classes and teen court will be suspended for the month of March.

El Paso Community College Athletic Competition Suspended

9:24 a.m March 13.- El Paso Community College announced that the EPCC Tejanos and Tejanas athletic competitions are suspended. According to a news release, this suspension will impact the remaining season games for the men's baseball and women's softball teams, including games scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Overnight camping at state parks in New Mexico suspended

9:17 a.m. March 13: The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department announced that effective Friday, March 13, all New Mexico State Parks will be closed to overnight camping. Unless extended, the overnight camping ban will end April 9.

"Scheduled events during this time have also been canceled or postponed in the interest of public safety," a news release states.

All 35 State Parks will remain open for day use.

El Paso Spring Break activities suspended

7:55 a.m. March 13: The city tweeted Friday morning that Spring Break activities that were previously scheduled have been postponed. This includes several events at city libraries, museum events and parks and recreation events.

Here's more information on the events that have been suspended until further notice:

These previously planned Spring Break activities have been suspended until further notice. https://t.co/3ZNtPAT3Vb — City of El Paso (@ElPasoTXGov) March 13, 2020

Rage Against the Machine postpones El Paso, Las Cruces concerts

9:43 p.m. March 12: Rage Against the Machine's reunion in El Paso is being postponed. The band will have announced they are postponing the first part of their tour because of the coronavirus. They were set to perform March 26 at the Don Haskins Center.

City of El Paso suspends special programming

9:25 p.m. March 12: In a Thursday night tweet, the City of El Paso said that in the interest of public health all special programming at parks, libraries museums and other locations would be suspended until further notice.

City suspends special programming from evolving COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/ji580krlY3 — City of El Paso (@ElPasoTXGov) March 13, 2020

EPISD suspends spring break by additional week

8 p.m. March 12: EPISD announced Thursday night it will extend spring break by an additional week in order to deep clean classrooms and buses. Spring break will run from March 16-27, with classes scheduled to resume March 30.

EPISD will provide meals students can pick up from March 23-27. It will announce the locations and times next week.

UTEP suspends all university-sponsored domestic and international travel

6 p.m. March 12: UTEP is suspending all university-sponsored international and domestic travel effective immediately, with the exception of travel to and from Ciudad Juárez.

Students, faculty and staff that decide to travel internationally for personal reasons must register their travel with UTEP's Department of Environmental Health and Safety, follow CDC guidelines and self-quarantine for 14 days upon return.

White Sands Missile Range open house canceled

3:18 p.m. March 12: The Trinity Site Open House scheduled for April 4 at White Sands Missile Range has been canceled because of coronavirus concerns.

WSMR Commander Col. David Trybula made the decision out of safety as more than 5,000 participants from the U.S. and overseas, along with employees and volunteers, were expected to be at the event. The CDC recommends canceling gatherings of 250 or more.

The next open house is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Minor League Baseball, El Paso Chihuahuas delaying season

2:59 p.m. March 12: Minor League Baseball, league of the El Paso Chihuahuas, will delay the regular season because of coronavirus.

No date was given but a spokesman on Twitter said that the league will continue to coordinate with Major League Baseball and begin the season when it is safe.

The announcement follows Major League Baseball's cancellation of Spring Training and delay of the regular season

YISD, Clint ISD suspends out-of-district travel

2:00 p.m. March 12: The Ysleta Independent School District has canceled out-of-town, non-essential district-related travel for students and staff until further notice.

All other school-related activities, contests and performances within El Paso County will continue as planned, YISD said.

The Clint Independent School District also canceled non-essential district travel.

El Paso Rhinos cancel remainder of 2019-2020 season

1:37 p.m. March 12: Western States Hockey League have canceled all remaining games of the 2019-2020 season, including the El Paso Rhinos' playoffs games March 13-15 and March 20-22.

The games will not be rescheduled.

UIL Basketball Tournament officially suspended

1:36 p.m. March 12: After already limiting audience, UIL officially suspended the remainder of its Boys State Basketball Tournament until further notice.

The suspension takes place at the end of the 3A session Thursday. Fans who purchased tickets for postponed games will get full refunds from the point of sale or school where they were purchased. Those who purchased All Tournament tickets will get full refunds.

“After much consultation with government and health officials, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the remainder of the UIL State Basketball Tournament,” UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt said in a news release. “Our number one priority remains the well-being of our student-athletes and spectators and we are taking every possible precaution to keep them safe.”

C-USA suspends all spring sports competitions

12:10 p.m. March 12: The league will suspend all spring sports competitions until further notice, including the men's and women's basketball tournaments.

This includes the UTEP softball team hosting the UAB for a three-game series and the tennis team hosting Chicago State on Monday.

“This decision was made with the safety of our fans, student-athletes, coaches and staff as the utmost priority,” UTEP Director of Athletics Jim Senter said in a news release. "We will monitor the situation in the coming weeks in consultation with Conference USA Leadership, the University Administration and each respective varsity sport team and make modifications as needed.”

No plans to close Texas Tech El Paso facilities

12:01 p.m. March 12: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, along with the Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso clinics and libraries will be closed Monday, March 16 for Spring holiday, but normal hours will resume Tuesday.

EPISD, SISD, Canutillo ISD suspend district-related travel

11:30 a.m. March 12: The El Paso Independent School District announced it is canceling all student and staff district-related travel "out of an abundance of caution." Any student groups currently out of town will be brought back to El Paso as soon as possible, EPISD said.

The Socorro Independent School District has also canceled all out-of-town student and employee travel until further notice.

The Canutillo Independent School District made the decision to cancel out-of-district travel Wednesday.

El Paso Locomotive league USL suspends all play

10:55 a.m. March 12: United Soccer League, which includes the El Paso Locomotive, announced that it will suspend all play a minimum of 30 days.

El Paso Locomotive will play all its games later this season, according to the team's Twitter page and will give updates shortly.

The team was set to play the Portland Timbers this Saturday.

UIL postpones academic state events

9:30 a.m. March 12: The UIL CX Debate State Tournament and the UIL State Robotics FIRST Tech Challenge have been postponed until further notice.

Dance conference canceled

March 10: The University of Texas at El Paso Department of Theatre and Dance canceled a dance conference scheduled for Thursday through Sunday because of the coronavirus.

Hear of a cancellation in the community? Email borderland@elpasotimes.com.

The latest updates in El Paso

Here's the latest on what's happening in El Paso:

Horizon City issues declaration of local disaster

6:08 p.m. March 16: Horizon City Mayor Ruth Mendoza on Monday issued a disaster declaration for the suburb east of El Paso.

At the time the news release was sent, there were no known reports of COVID-19 in the city.

As of Monday, the only service impacted in the municipal court, a news release states. Court hearings for March have been canceled. Municipal city services are operating as usual, according to the news release.

El Paso confirms third case of COVID-19 in El Paso

6 p.m. March 16: El Paso health officials on Monday confirmed the third case of coronavirus in El Paso, a female teenager who recently traveled abroad and is recovering at home.

More: El Paso records third coronavirus case after teenager tests positive

Message from the Department of Public Health: Third Positive Case of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Identified https://t.co/n3kC2Ozjav — City of El Paso (@ElPasoTXGov) March 16, 2020

Traffic between El Paso and Juárez light over weekend

9:43 a.m. March 16: Traffic between El Paso and Juárez was unusually light over the weekend and Monday morning. While spring break officially got underway Monday in El Paso and Mexico celebrated a national holiday, it appeared that the public health message for “self-quarantine” was having some effect on both sides of the border.

In recent months, international bridge lines south into Juárez on Friday and Saturday evenings have typically moved at a snail’s pace, taking 30 minutes or more to travel less than a mile between the cities. On Sunday evenings, bridge lines to El Paso have been prone to stretch on for hours as border denizens wind up weekend visits with family and friends in Juárez and head back to the U.S. side.

Not this weekend. A downtown bridge usually packed on weekend mornings with passenger cars and pedestrians – often headed for stores and shopping malls in El Paso – was nearly empty on Saturday. Traffic headed south to Juarez on Sunday was light, and the northbound bridge lines Sunday evening were uncharacteristically short.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection hasn’t closed any ports of entry between the U.S. and Mexico amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Officials confirm second COVID-19 case in El Paso County

1:45 March 15: Health officials Sunday held a news conference where they confirmed the second presumptive positive test result for COVID-19 in El Paso County.

The patient, a male in his 40s is hospitalized, officials said. In a news release, officials said they do not know the man's travel history.

More: Health officials announce second presumptive positive test for coronavirus in El Paso

"Results of that investigation will be used to identify any close contacts who may have been exposed by the patient and if any further testing of close contacts needs to take place," the news release states.

UPDATE: Second Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19 Identified. pic.twitter.com/boxiVaxCz3 — Art Fierro (@ArtFierro79) March 15, 2020

First presumptive positive case reported in El Paso

8:18 p.m. March 13: El Paso health officials are reporting the city's first presumptive positive test result for COVID-19 in the area, according to a news release. The male patient in his 40s had a history of domestic travel and is recovering at home, the news release states.

Public Health Department confirms first presumptive positive case of Coronavirus in El Paso. Man in his 40’s with a history of domestic travel. He is recovering at home. pic.twitter.com/5BhEYxXbjr — City of El Paso (@ElPasoTXGov) March 14, 2020

El Paso Water services to be handled online

4:25 p.m. March 13: El Paso Water is temporarily limiting is in-person customer interactions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Starting March 23, the Customer Service Center at 6400 Boeing Drive is closed until further notice.

Customers can go to epwater.org/customer_service/pay_my_bill to learn about paying bills online or by phone. There are also other payment locations customers can find on the website.

El Paso Water has also closed its New Installation Customer Service Center at 1154 Hawkins until further notice, but its still accepting and processing applications by mail, fax or email (newinstallations@epwater.org).

Facility tours have been suspended and the TecH2O Learning Center is closed to walk-in visitors.

Non-essential field appointments have been put on hold.

EP Water in a news release said it has a "plan to keep critical facilities staffed so drinking water and wastewater services will be available 24/7/365." Facilities also have increased sanitary and disinfection measures in place.

It advised that there's not a need to stockpile bottled water.

EP Water advises customers that there is NO need to stockpile bottled water since the utility will continue to provide healthy, safe, reliable water from the tap.

El Paso leaders give update, state of emergency declared

3:05 p.m. March 13: El Paso leaders held a news conference Friday to announce the city and county of El Paso have declared a state of emergency. There hasn't yet been a COVID-19 case in the area.

"This opens the door for resources that would normally not be available to address concerns such as funding and restrictions on gatherings," Mayor Dee Margo said.

He emphasized there's no need to panic or go out and hoard things like toilet paper and water.

City of El Paso to provide update

11:35 a.m. March 13: The city of El Paso on Friday at 2 p.m. is scheduled to hold a news conference to give updates on coronavirus preparations. There are no known cases of COVID-19 in the El Paso area at this time, a news release states.

El Paso Electric: Contingency plans in place to deal with virus impact

5:56 p.m. March 12: El Paso Electric does not anticipate on any interruptions to the company's regular course of business, interim CEO Adrian Rodriguez said.

"We want our customers to know that our dedicated and hardworking employees remain committed to providing safe and reliable energy as our region comes together to mitigate and reduce exposure to this virus," Rodriguez said. "We want to assure the public that we are ready to continue supporting our region’s energy needs and will make any necessary adjustments to our work and operations to do so."

The company is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on preventing the spread of the virus.Business hours will remain for call centers and payment locations. Customers are encouraged to visit epelectric.com for bill payment options or download the Bill2Pay app from Apple Store or Google Play.

If at any point, customers financially impacted by the virus have questions about assistance programs, they can call the Customer Care Team at 915-543- 5970 or 575-526-5555.

Rodriguez also warned of scammers and said customers should watch out for suspicious emails, phone calls or people impersonating employees or charities. Incidents can be reported to the Customer Care Team.

Coronavirus will not affect El Paso water, facility tours on hold

2:29 p.m. March 12: Water will stay safe from the coronavirus, according to El Paso Water. Through standard disinfection, treatment plants will be able to deal with any type of virus

"Guidance has been provided to EPWater employees to decrease the chances of spreading any kind of virus in the workplace, and we are increasing sanitary and disinfection measures at all facilities," an El Paso Water spokesman said in a news release.

However, all facility tours, non-essential meetings and trainings have been canceled. Employee travel has been restricted.

The Borderplex Alliance comments on COVID-19, travel ban

7:45 a.m. March 12: The Borderplex Alliance commented late Wednesday on news of a ban on travel to the U.S. from continental Europe.

"Overcoming this unique challenge will require swift bipartisan action in Washington and historic international cooperation," Jon Barela, CEO of the group, said in a statement. "I urge lawmakers, business leaders and citizens to heed the warnings of health care professionals and make rational, fact-based decisions from the best science available. In our interdependent world, I expect the economic fallout from this virus to reach every part of the country, including the Borderplex region. Business sectors ranging from tourism to manufacturing can expect adverse consequences. The faster we all work together, the quicker we can contain this virus, save lives and keep the economy moving."

El Paso officials hold news conference for COVID-19 update

March 10: Officials held a news conference Tuesday where they said there are no active cases of coronavirus in the region, including in Juárez, where tests were returned negative. The city's health department at the time was in possession of 400 test kits for the virus.

They also cautioned against "knee-jerk" reactions and said precautions are being taken should the illness be detected in the region.

There are no COVID-19 cases in El Paso at this time. We have a threat assessment group that meets on a daily basis. If you have any COVID-19 questions- call 211 or visit https://t.co/0ojtKzV7Is pic.twitter.com/ASKDmidKt3 — Mayor Dee Margo (@mayor_margo) March 11, 2020

As of Tuesday, the county was not considering declaring a public health emergency, but County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said he could if he felt it was necessary.

Community members with concerns or questions can dial 211 for information.

The latest updates in Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott gives update in San Antonio

2:05 p.m. March 16 - Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday gave coronavirus update from San Antonio. During the news conference, Abbott said Texans should expect to see a jump in the number of people in the state diagnosed with COVID-19, as testing increases.

“You are going to see an exponential increase in the number of people who test positive on a daily basis. People need to be prepared and not shocked,” Abbott said, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

More: Expect rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in Texas, Abbott warns

How many cases were there as of Monday?

12:40 p.m. March 16: There are at least 57 cases of COVID-19 in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Gov. Greg Abbott waives STAAR testing requirements

10 a.m. March 16: Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday morning announced he was waiving the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year.

He also asked that the Department of Education waive federal testing requirements for the school year.

"Your health and safety are top priorities, and the state of Texas will give school districts flexibility to protect and ensure the health of students, faculty, and their families," Abbott said in a statement. "We will empower schools to make the best decisions to protect their communities from COVID-19."

More: STAAR test cancelled? Texas governor waived testing requirements due to coronavirus

How many cases were there as of Sunday?

11:09 a.m. March 15: There are at least 56 cases of COVID-19 in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The first case in the El Paso area was reported Friday night.

How many cases were there as of Saturday?

1:44 p.m. March 14: There are at least 51 cases of COVID-19 in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. That includes one case in El Paso County.

UIL suspendeds contests

March 13: The University Interscholastic League announced Friday it was suspending all UIL contests. The suspension is effective March 16 and runs through March 29, a news release states.

Local districts have the discretion to decide whether they will continue rehearsals and practices.

“We are urging our member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt in a statement. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time. Please know UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible.”

Attorney General Ken Paxton warns against price gouging

1:45 p.m. March 13: After Gov. Greg Abbott's disaster declaration, Texas Attorney General warned that that state law prohibits price gouging. Under a disaster declaration, there are stiffer penalties, a news release states.

"Any person or business selling goods must be aware that they are prohibited by law from engaging in price gouging if they unreasonably raise the cost of necessary supplies at any point during a declared disaster,” Paxton said in a statement. “My office will work aggressively to prevent disaster scams and stands ready to prosecute any price-gouger who takes advantage of those taking precautions and looking for safety and supplies.”

Gov. Greg Abbott issues disaster declaration

11:57 a.m. March 13: Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced a disaster declaration for Texas' 254 counties.

Abbott also noted during an 11 a.m. MT press conference in Austin that the state should also soon be seeing more pop-up testing facilities, like a testing drive-thru opening Friday in San Antonio.

Abbott said that so far 220 Texans have been tested by public health labs or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are 75 people currently being tested in the state, Abbott said.

More: Texas coronavirus update: Gov. Abbott declares a 'state of disaster' for all counties

How many cases were there as of Friday?

11:15 a.m. March 13: There are at least 39 cases of COVID-19 in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. That's more than a dozen more than when the department last updated its website on Thursday.

Man, woman test positive for coronavirus in Austin

8:12 a.m. March 13: Those in Austin woke up to news that a man in his 60s and a woman in her 30s have tested positive for coronavirus in Austin.

The Austin American-Statesman reports that Austin Public Health interim authority Dr. Mark Escott said the cases are not related to each other or community-spread. Health officials believe the origin of the woman’s illness is connected to the Houston area and the man contracted it outside of Austin, according to the newspaper.

More: Man in 60s, woman in 30s test positive for coronavirus in Austin

Ted Cruz extends self-quarantine

8 a.m. March 13: U.S. Sen Ted Cruz on Friday announced he's extending his self-quarantine to March 17 after learning he had an interaction with a second individual who tested positive for COVID-19.

Cruz said in a statement that on March 3 he met with Santiago Abascal, the leader of Spain's Vox Party, for about 20 minutes. Abascal has tested positive for coronavirus, according to the news release.

Cruz said he is not experiencing any symptoms and consulting with medical officials.

How many cases were there as of Thursday?

9:40 a.m. March 12: There are at least 23 cases of COVID-19 in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz temporarily closes his capitol office

7:55 a.m. March 12: Amid reports a staffer from another Senate office tested positive for COVID-19, Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's office on Thursday morning announced his D.C. office would be temporarily closed "out of an abundance of caution."

Cruz's staff is equipped to work remotely, according to a statement from Cruz's press office. Cruz is on his self-quarantine following a brief interaction with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

JUST IN: @tedcruz among Washington lawmakers to temporarily close his Capitol office after reports a Senate staffer (not one of his) has tested positive for #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/jrvuCBi3cR — John C. Moritz (@JohnnieMo) March 12, 2020

How many cases were there as of Wednesday?

March 11: As of Wednesday, there were at least 21 cases of COVID-19 in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

According to Wednesday news reports, a Montgomery County man may have contracted the virus through community spread, not through travel.

Texas is investigating a #COVID19 case in a Montgomery county resident with no out-of-state travel or contact with another known person with #COVID19. Public health is tracking down if there was known contact or if this is community spread. News release:https://t.co/jQeEILe2lG pic.twitter.com/YPuu6p3gg5 — Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) March 11, 2020

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday also urged Texans to take preventative measures against coronavirus.

"Actions like washing your hands with soap and water, staying home when you are sick, avoiding shaking hands, and covering a cough or sneeze may seem like simple tasks, but they can have a tremendous impact to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health," Abbott said in a statement. "We urge all Texans to adopt these preventative measures into their daily routines and to follow the guidance of their health care providers as well as state, federal, and local public health entities."

Lawmakers hold committee hearing on coronavirus

March 10: In a Texas House of Representatives committee hearing Tuesday, lawmakers heard invited testimony from a number of officials, including Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services.

"When I say that right now I don't see that need (to declare a disaster), I can't tell you tomorrow, it won't be a different circumstance," he told the panel of lawmakers.

Other House and Senate committees have canceled upcoming committee hearings as a precaution. Such hearings often include testimony from members of the public.

Texas coronavirus coverage

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of the coronavirus include a fever, cough and shortness of breath that may appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MORE: Coronavirus is spreading in the US. Here's everything to know, from symptoms to how to protect yourself

Safety tips

Here are some safety tips from the CDC:

Wash your hands often: Make sure to clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap regularly, especially if you've been out in public. Also avoid touching your face if you're hands aren't washed. If soap isn't available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used.

Make sure to clean your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap regularly, especially if you've been out in public. Also avoid touching your face if you're hands aren't washed. If soap isn't available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used. Stay home if you are sick: Try to avoid close contact with those who are sick and stay home if you are sick yourself.

Try to avoid close contact with those who are sick and stay home if you are sick yourself. Use a tissue : Use tissues when you cough or sneeze or use the elbow technique. Then, be sure to dispose of said tissue and wash your hands.

: Use tissues when you cough or sneeze or use the elbow technique. Then, be sure to dispose of said tissue and wash your hands. When to use a facemask: Facemasks should be worn by those who are sick when they are around other people. They should also be used by caregivers. But if you aren't sick or caring for someone who is, there's no need for a facemask. According to the center, they could be in short supply and should be preserved for caregivers.

Facemasks should be worn by those who are sick when they are around other people. They should also be used by caregivers. But if you aren't sick or caring for someone who is, there's no need for a facemask. According to the center, they could be in short supply and should be preserved for caregivers. Clean and disinfect often: Be sure to clean and disinfect the frequently touched objects like tables keyboards and doorknobs each day. The center has information available on disinfectants.

Eleanor Dearman may be reached at 361-244-0047; edearman@elpasotimes.com; @EllyDearman on Twitter.

El Paso coronavirus coverage

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso coronavirus preparations: Here are the latest updates on COVID-19